FHCA Announces 2026 Florida Leaders

Leadership Development Program Designed to Strengthen Workforce and Enhance Quality Throughout Florida’s Long Term Care Center

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is pleased to announce the 2026 Class of the Florida Leaders. FHCA’s Florida Leaders program is a year-long training that focuses on leadership development and quality improvement principles for emerging long term care leaders across the state. The overarching goals of this program are to enhance the care provided in Florida’s skilled nursing and assisted living facilities and to strengthen member involvement in the Florida Health Care Association to advance the long term care profession and build a pipeline of dedicated caregivers to meet the growing needs of Florida’s aging population.

The following individuals have been selected as members of the Florida Leaders Class of 2026:

• Alex Camacho, Administrator at University Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Amanda Wimes, Administrator at The Club Health and Rehabilitation Center at The Villages
• Anna Badger, Assistant Administrator at Pines of Sarasota
• Cole de Klerk, Administrator at Sunrise Point Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Cole Notermann, Director of Operations at Southern Healthcare Management, LLC
• Cort Faulmann, Assistant Administrator at Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center
• Dania Chin, Administrator at Aviata at Brentwood
• DJ Salinas, Executive Director at The Addison of Port Orange
• Erin McKinney, Administrator at Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Hannah Jacobs, Senior Recreation Director at Aston Health
• Heidi Bullock, Account Executive at TridentCare
• Jack Mabry III, Administrator at Taylor Care Center
• Jo Lewis, Assistant Administrator at Valencia Hills Health and Rehab Center
• Jose Fuentes, Administrator at Isle Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Kathleen Hayes, Regional Director of Therapy Services at Aviata Health Group
• Kirkland Rodney, Administrator at Boca Raton Rehabilitation Center
• Loren McCutchen, Administrator at Avante at Inverness
• Shawn Avinger, Social Services Director at Alliance Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Malory Benfield, Administrator at Aviata at Palm Bay
• Melissa Hines, Administrator at Royal Palm Beach Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Nicole McCarthy, Executive director at Victoria Crossing Rehabilitation Center
• Paula Twitty, Administrator at Emory L. Bennett Veterans’ Nursing Home
• Robert Mitchell
• Russell Ward, Executive Director at Fountains Residence at Mill Cove
• Samantha Evans, Administrator at Riverwood Center
• Samantha Pierce, Administrator at Santa Rosa Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
• Dr. Sherry Dujon-Sanders, Administrator at Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Teresa Timmons, Administrator at Bear Creek Nursing Center
• Todd Cericola, Vice President of Operations at Aston Health
• Tricia Mowery, Regional Social Services Consultant at Millennial Healthcare Services
• Vanessa Sylverain, Administrator at Palms Care Center

“Each member of the 2026 Class of Florida Leaders exemplifies the very best of long term care leadership,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. “These individuals demonstrate a passion for serving their communities, are committed to strengthening the workforce and upholding Florida’s gold standard of care across the state. We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders in our 2026 Class.”

Representative Allison Tant (D-Tallahassee), who spoke with the 2026 class members during their visit to Florida’s Capitol said, “The passion and dedication that these individuals exhibit is admirable. Their leadership will have a positive impact on long term care throughout the state, helping to ensure Florida’s seniors’ needs are met both today and into the future.”

The kickoff training also provided class members with an opportunity to meet with leaders from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), including Secretary Shevaun Harris and Deputy Secretary Kimberly Smoak, to learn how AHCA is supporting providers with enhancing care delivery for Florida’s long term care residents. “Strong, effective leadership is imperative to ensuring the highest standards of care and resident well-being in Florida’s long-term care facilities,” said Secretary Harris. “We are encouraged to see so many long-term care leaders participating in this program, and their commitment to expanding their knowledge and strengthening their leadership abilities will help to advance the quality of care being delivered to patients and residents across the state.”

Since 2009, FHCA's Florida Leaders program has developed nearly 230 leaders within the Association and Florida's long term care profession, including FHCA’s current Executive Committee members. Each year, FHCA selects an exclusive group of long term care professionals for their demonstrated leadership skills, support of the Association and an interest in pursuing leadership pathways to improve their personal and professional skills. The program kicks off with a two-day event in Tallahassee, FL, with presentations from state leaders and long term care experts.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2025

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