John Gage, NHA, has been named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Rhode Island Health Care Association (RIHCA).
Gage brings more than 30 years’ experience in long term care, most recently as regional director of operations for Bear Mountain Healthcare, based in Thomaston, Conn. In addition to his career in long term care operations in New England, Gage has served as board president of the Alliance for Better Long-Term Care, chair of the Rhode Island Nursing Home Administrator Board, and past board chair of both the Rhode Island Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators and RIHCA.
“We are very pleased to be bringing John on board to continue RIHCA’s fine work as our industry struggles for survival in these challenging times,” said Tracie Arel, chairwoman of the RIHCA board of directors.
Kristin Shambro, a long term care professional with more than 25 years in senior care, has been appointed vice president of Life Care’s southwest division. The division consists of 24 skilled nursing facilities with 10 in Arizona, 10 in California, three in Nevada, and one in New Mexico. Life Care President Todd Fletcher made the announcement.
“Kristin’s rich experience and commitment to excellence in operations combined with her compassionate leadership style make her an excellent choice for this position,” said Fletcher.
Leadership of the entire southwest division is a promotion for Shambro. She steps into this role after serving as vice president of the Mesquite region and has prior experience in Life Care’s central division as an executive director.
The American College of Health Care Administrators, the association dedicated to professional development and advocacy for the nation’s post-acute and aging services leaders, has selected Robert Lane, CNHA, FACHCA, as its new president and CEO.
A veteran in the industry, Lane has been working in health care since 1982 and in the profession of long term care administration since 1987. He began his career in Missouri with National Healthcare Corp. Since then, Lane has worked in the skilled nursing, assisted living, and long term acute care space, in addition to leading project teams during the seventh and eighth scopes of work for the Oklahoma quality improvement organization.
Most recently, he has provided operations consulting for health care providers across the country with BKD CPAs and Advisors.
Kelly Cooney, MS, vice president of clinical compliance for Therapy Specialists, a HealthPRO Heritage company, has been re‐elected for a second two‐year term as president of the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies (NARA).
“Couple Kelly’s passion for our profession with her ability to foster collaboration amongst key stakeholders, and you’ve got an ideal leader to take up the charge for advocating for providers in today’s rehab landscape,” says Lisa Rodriguez, president, Therapy Specialists.
“Kelly’s first term was not what anyone expected during a pandemic. Through her leadership we were able to pivot and make necessary changes to deliver timely policy changes and education tailored to our members’ operations and care delivery,” said Christie Sheets, executive director, NARA.
Jay Beaudoin has been appointed vice president of Life Care Centers of America’s mountain states division. In this position, Beaudoin will oversee 31 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Colorado, Hawaii, Utah, and Wyoming.
Most recently, Beaudoin served as vice president of focus initiatives for Life Care. He has more than 21 years of experience in long term care, starting as a part-time activities assistant. He has also served as vice president of the Pikes Peak region, one of four regions in the mountain states division.
Juniper Communities has appointed Dawn Anderson, RN, director of wellness at Juniper Village at Brookline Skilled Rehabilitation and Care. Previously she oversaw Juniper’s quality assurance program and restorative care. In her new role she will oversee the entire nursing department.
A nurse for 31 years, Anderson has worked in numerous health care settings such as hospice, home health, long term care, and hospitals.
“It’s an honor to work for Juniper. I was drawn to the company in part because of the outstanding leadership. I look forward to continuing the tradition that has been an example of the amazing leaders before me,” Anderson said.