Michael Bassett has been named senior vice president of government relations at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (ACHA/NCAL) replacing Clif Porter, who was named AHCA/NCAL’s President & CEO last year.

Bassett has been an essential part of AHCA/NCAL, where he previously served as vice president of government relations for more than 10 years. Previously, he was the staff director for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging while he also served as a senior policy advisor to former Senator Bob Corker (TN).

Bridge Senior Living has named industry veteran Scott McCutcheon as chief operating officer (COO). Prior to joining Bridge Senior Living, McCutcheon was COO with LivGenerations Senior Living.

His previous tenure also includes roles as senior vice president of operations with New Perspective Senior Living and area manager of operations/executive director with Sunrise Senior Living.

Ciena Healthcare’s President Mohammad Qazi has named David Parker as CEO. In this role, Parker will oversee the management and operation of all of Ciena’s facilities, including 83 skilled nursing facilities in five states. Qazi will retain his role as president of Ciena Healthcare, focusing on the company’s mission, vision, and future.

Parker brings 30 years of health care leadership and experience and has held leadership roles in skilled nursing and rehabilitation operations. He also is the past president of the Ohio Health Care Association and has served on AHCA’s Council for Post-Acute Care Board.

The Indiana Health Care Association/Indiana Center for Assisted Living (IHCA/INCAL) has presented U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN) the Public Servant of the Year Award.

The award recognizes distinguished public servants who champion and advance the long term care profession and support aged and disabled residents in Indiana. 

Covenant Living Communities and Services has named Erynn Sandman as the new executive director at Shannondale of Knoxville. In her new role, Sandman will oversee community operations.

Sandman’s experience includes development and implementation of strategies for growth, workplace culture, and oversight of resident care. She was most recently the executive director at a skilled nursing community in Virginia Beach, Va.

Juniper Communities has promoted Colby Johle to regional director of operations where he will support four Juniper Villages in Texas.  

With over two decades of experience in senior living, memory care, and skilled nursing, Johle’s goal is to see these communities thrive, ensuring they not only meet but exceed their potential, all while delivering the highest standard of care.

Juniper has also named Jennifer Evans as executive director of Juniper Village at Spicewood Summit, where she will oversee day-to-day operations. Evans is a certified licensed nursing home administrator, and she aims to encompass all of Juniper Communities’ signature programs and culture while providing exceptional care and support for the residents of Juniper Village at Spicewood Summit.

Evans’ professional path started at age 15 as a dietary aide. Over the last 25 years, she has served in various roles, including administrator, director of reimbursement, and regional director of operations. 

Sage Valley Senior Living, an Integral Senior Living community, has named Samantha Huggins as its Vibrant Life^® director and Joseph Gutierrez as its building director.

Huggins’ background includes service-centered, multigenerational collaborations. As the Vibrant Life® director, she will implement programming crafted to inspire residents to embrace adventure and personal growth.

Gutierrez has worked in building services for nearly 20 years. His previous experience includes 12 years of working within health care facilities, with roles ranging from groundskeeper to general maintenance to director of facilities.