FHCA Honors Individuals for Improving the Quality of Lives of Florida’s Long Term Care Residents

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) recently honored the 2025 Long Term Care Achievement Award recipients during its Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. These annual awards recognize the exemplary contributions of long term care leaders and volunteers who daily demonstrate commitment to quality care through their dedication to residents, staff, and the long term care profession. In addition, FHCA recognized Shining Stars in the profession who contribute daily to the life enrichment, social service needs, food and nutrition and the health and safety of residents. *Award recipients are pictured at right in order of the list below.

Danette Wiley is FHCA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year. For over two decades, Ms. Wiley has been volunteering at Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center, spending over 15 hours each week helping staff and uplifting residents. As Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Wiley is known for her hands-on dedication, creative monthly display calendars, and assistance with events varying from resident proms to bake sales. Ms. Wiley has also included both her children and grandchildren in her volunteer service, and her kindness, positive attitude, and commitment to building intergenerational bonds have left a lasting impact on the Ayers community. 

Ms. Gloria Baines of Avante at Ocala is FHCA’s 2025 Joe Negron Resident of the Year. A resident for the past seven years, Ms. Baines has constantly brought energy, compassion, and dedication to everything she does. From her early life on a small island in Suwannee, Florida, to a globe-trotting career as a flight attendant, Ms. Baines has always embraced life with purpose. At Avante, she serves as Resident Council President, helping shape daily activities, coordinate calendars, and manage the resident library and store. She has held this position twice, serving as an advocate for her peers to ensure the activities are meaningful and fun. At 83, Ms. Baines’ commitment to the center continues to inspire staff and residents alike. 

Erica Henderson, Executive Director at Middleburg Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, is FHCA’s 2025 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year. Known for her exceptional leadership, Henderson began her career as a recreation therapist and quickly climbed the ladder to take on admissions and marketing, before completing her Administrator in Training (AIT) program and becoming a licensed nursing home administrator. She is a licensed preceptor, is known for fostering strong partnerships with local CNA schools and the center serves as a clinical training site. Under her guidance, the center has achieved a Five Star Rating, Joint Commission accreditation, and a deficiency-free record on all surveys—including during the pandemic while serving as a COVID-accepting facility.  

Lucille Bowers, Administrator at the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. State Veterans Domiciliary Home, is FHCA’s 2025 Assisted Living Facility Administrator of the Year. With nearly 40 years of experience, Bowers' leadership is rooted in dedication and commitment to service. She began her career as a nurse at the Domiciliary Home and is known for her hands-on care, compassion and empathy. She carried the facility through COVID, helping it overcome the staffing challenges and return to full census without relying on agency personnel. Her efforts in creating an environment built on service and respect ensures that every Veteran resident, including those with complex medical needs, has the care and support they need.  

Shedena Alexander, Director of Recreation at Island Lake Center, was honored as a Shining Star with FHCA's 2025 Life Enrichment Award for activities professionals. With more than 30 years of experience in long term care, Alexander’s journey began as a CNA at Island Lake Center before her creativity and passion led her to pursue her activities certification. She is known for designing inclusive, therapeutic programs that foster connection and bring joy through intergenerational and community-based activities. Her compassionate approach, personal connection to each resident, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences have made a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. 

Misty Kingsley, Social Services Director at Avante at Ormond Beach, was named a Shining Star by earning FHCA’s 2025 Compassion in Action Award for social services professionals. Known for her tireless dedication, Kingsley manages complex caseloads with grace, always keeping residents' well-being at the heart of her work. Her ability to prioritize urgent needs without compromising care reflects her exceptional professionalism. Kingsley also founded the National Long Term Care Social Services Association in Orange County and served as its president. Her genuine compassion, leadership, and commitment to making every resident feel valued have made her a shining star in long term care. 

Joanne Rossi, Director of Dining Services at Sabal Palms Health Care Center, was honored was named a Shining Star for earning FHCA’s 2025 Food and Nutrition Services Leader. With over 22 years of dedicated service, Rossi began her career as a dietary aide and rose through the ranks to become a Certified Dietary Manager, now leading the dining team at her 244-bed center. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to person-centered care, she ensures every meal is both nourishing and meaningful. Rossi's leadership shines in every aspect of her work, from her 4 a.m. starts daily to her hands-on support during hurricanes, when she ensured residents, staff, and visitors were well-fed and cared for. Her team’s long-term loyalty speaks volumes about the impact of her guidance, compassion, and dedication to excellence. 

Alan Turner, Utilities Maintenance Superintendent at the Robert H. Jenkins State Veterans’ Domiciliary, was honored as a Shining Star with FHCA’s 2025 Plant Operations Impact Award. Turner has supported his center from its early stages, as he was involved the building’s initial construction. He was instrumental in obtaining their certificate of occupancy and was in his current role when the building accepted its first Veteran resident. He has been passionately maintaining the building and caring for residents and staff for more than 36 years. Turner developed the center’s preventative maintenance programs, leads emergency preparedness efforts, and serves as a mentor to plant operations staff across the state.   

FHCA's Long Term Care Achievement Awards are sponsored by Elite Medical Staffing and presented each year during FHCA's Annual Conference & Trade Show. Learn more about these awards at  www.fhca.org/membership/ltcawards. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2025

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org