The Wisconsin Health Care Association/Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WHCA/WiCAL), Madison, Wis., has named Rick Abrams president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the state trade association, dedicated to representing, protecting, and advancing the interests of Wisconsin's long term care provider community.

Abrams joins WHCA/WiCAL with a wealth of knowledge and an extensive background in association management, health policy, and government relations. Most recently, Abrams served as the national director of the organized medical staff section of the American Medical Association (AMA). Prior to his tenure at AMA, Abrams served as CEO at the Wisconsin Medical Society.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead WHCA/WiCAL," said Abrams.

Integral Senior Living (ISL), a premier senior living management company, Carlsbad, Calif., has named Shelley Speer regional director of sales and marketing for its portfolio.

Speer comes to ISL with more than 20 years of experience in the senior living industry and has spent many of those years in management or marketing positions.

In her most recent position as a regional manager for the northwest and north California region at A Place for Mom, she was responsible for talent development, coaching, and managing a sales team of 19 advisers.

In her new position, Speer will oversee the sales and marketing efforts for several of ISL's communities, which include independent and assisted living and memory care.

She first entered the senior living industry in 1992 and has had success in improving the sales of nine companies and senior living communities.

“I am looking forward to working on a team with individuals who are as passionate about helping seniors as I am," Speer said. “I know my goal to provide world-class service aligns with ISL's mission, and I am grateful for this amazing opportunity and to see what we accomplish."

Knoxville, Tenn.-based senior living brand, Dominion Senior Living, has brought on a long-tenured senior living figure to their Louisville, Ky., campus leadership board. Shauna Darbyshire joins the company as campus director in Louisville. Darbyshire will supervise over Dominion of Louisville and Everlan of Louisville.

As campus director, Darbyshire will direct Dominion and Everlan of Louisville's strategic growth initiatives, daily operations, and the development and strengthening of community relationships.

Beginning in senior living more than 13 years ago, Darbyshire has held several positions in the senior living sector, including director of wellness, sales specialist, executive director, and a regional director of operations. She comes from Oaklawn at Symphony and, most recently, Blake Management Group. She is eager to bring that experience to further Dominion's initiatives and is excited to return to a community leadership role where she has the opportunity to engage with residents on a daily basis.

Biloxi, Miss.-based senior living company, Blake Management Group, has promoted a long-tenured senior living professional to its Mississippi leadership board. Morgan Walter, formerly The Blake at Oxford's executive director, will now serve as area director of operations in Mississippi.

In her position, Walter will direct the four Mississippi Blake locations in strategic growth initiatives, daily operations, and the development and strengthening of community relationships. She will continue to serve as executive director at The Blake at Oxford while also offering operational support.

Beginning in the health care industry more than 10 years ago, Walter has held several positions in the health care field. She is eager to bring that experience to further The Blake's operational initiatives and is excited to continue to work within her community leadership role, where she has the opportunity to engage with residents on a daily basis.

JEA Senior Living (JEA), Vancouver, Wash., a leader in providing quality memory care-focused housing for seniors, has named veteran housing and health care executive Christopher Belford CEO.

Belford, with nearly 30 years of executive operations experience in the senior housing industry, working for multiple leading operators across the continuum of care, joins JEA from American Healthcare Investors (AHI). As AHI's executive vice president, he managed 140 communities within the company's portfolio of senior housing, skilled nursing, and hospital assets throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.   

Before joining AHI, Belford was president of Brookdale Senior Living's western division, managing senior living and retirement communities.

Belford also served 14 years in executive leadership roles at senior care provider Emeritus Senior Living, including senior vice president of operations, responsible for more than 500 communities in 18 states.

“I look forward to working closely with our dedicated and skilled team members to deliver top-notch service, facilities, and an exceptional living situation for our current and prospective families," Belford said.