FHCA Expands Government Affairs Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 19, 2014                                       
CONTACT: Kristen Knapp, APR                                                                     
(850) 701-3530 or kknapp@fhca.org

Tallahassee, Fla. - Carol Berkowitz, Esq. has joined FHCA as Associate Director of Government Affairs, bringing her advocacy, public policy, legal and legislative expertise, along with an important understanding of skilled nursing and assisted living facility regulations and not-for-profit association management. Carol was previously with LeadingAge Florida and has worked for the Florida Dental Association and the Department of HRS. Carol has a Master's Degree in Gerontology and brings with her over 25 years of public policy experience and more than 20 years working with health care associations. Along with her vast experience, Carol provides stability and a desire to continue to help FHCA grow in the regulatory and legislative arenas.
 
FHCA also welcomes Melody Selis as the new Government Affairs Manager. Melody is providing support on the Association's legislative issues and will coordinate FHCA's grassroots advocacy and political action programs. Melody was previously with the Executive Office of Governor Rick Scott and the Republican Party of Florida. Melody is a rising star in Tallahassee as evidenced by her vast contacts throughout the Legislature.
 
In August of 2014, FHCA's Director of Government Affairs, Peggy Rigsby, will retire after 24 years of service to the Association. Peggy has been a steady force at FHCA and in Florida's Capitol, and her year's of dedication will truly be missed.
 
"The addition of Carol and Melody and the diversity in the experience and expertise they each bring will take the Association to the next level when it comes to effectively representing our members and the thousands of residents under your care every day," said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director.

For more information on the legislation, visit fhca.org.

ABOUT FLORIDA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION  
Celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2014, Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is a federation which serves nearly 1,000 members and represents over 500 long term care facilities that provide skilled nursing, post-acute and sub-acute care, short-term rehab, assisted living and other services to the frail elderly and individuals with disabilities in Florida. The mission of FHCA is to advance the quality of services, image, professional development and financial stability of its members. As Florida's first and largest advocacy organization for long term care providers and the elderly they serve, the Association has worked diligently since 1954 to assist its members with continuously improving quality of care and quality of life for the state’s growing elder care population. For more information about Florida Health Care Association, visit [url=http://www.fhca.org]http://www.fhca.org[/url].
 
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