FHCA’s CEO Honored with 2024 Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) honored its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Emmett Reed, with this year’s Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award at the Association’s 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. 

The Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award is FHCA’s highest honor, with the recipient chosen by previous award winners who represent past presidents and other trailblazers in the long term care profession. The award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions in the past year and has worked for the growth and development of the Association through the years. The award was established in 1972 after Walter M. Johnson, Jr., who served as president of FHCA from 1969-71 with membership rapidly growing under his leadership. He was instrumental in establishing an effective committee system for legislative, reimbursement, and regulatory issues. 

Emmett Reed, CAE, has served as CEO of FHCA since 2009 where he is responsible for overall operations and directing Association staff to implement the goals and objectives set forth by the Board of Directors. Reed focuses on leading FHCA on an upward trend, strengthening member relations, building successful coalitions to accomplish legislative priorities, and promoting new and existing initiatives to help meet members’ quality care and operational needs. 

“A common trait of any successful team is a visionary leader, and we are fortunate to have the very best of that in Emmett Reed,” said 2023 Circle of Excellence Award recipient, John Mangine of Southern Healthcare Management. “Throughout his time leading FHCA, Emmett has worked hard to understand the operations of long-term care and what it takes to truly deliver the highest quality of care for our residents.”

Upon joining the FHCA team 15 years ago, Reed began placing an emphasis on the importance of a presence in the legislative process and promoting the Association’s agenda in front of the right audiences. With this new approach, Reed successfully earned the Association a seat at the table with key decision-makers and began to foster relationships with legislative leadership. 

Reed’s tenure as CEO has not been without challenges. Over recent years, members of the Association have faced funding obstacles, a new Medicaid Reimbursement System, the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, workforce shortages, and more. Through it all, Reed’s leadership has not only navigated the Association and its members through the storms, but also coming out on the other side with hope and vigor.

Under Reed’s leadership, FHCA is outpacing the nation in quality measures and awards – with other states looking to Florida for best practices and delivering member-driven results. Membership is at an all-time high, the Association is financially healthy, and has made great gains in funding with its priority above all else remaining the highest quality of care for residents. 

“Emmett has navigated us through some of the most challenging times we’ve faced as an Association and has done so with the utmost strength and positivity,” said Joe Mitchell, FHCA Past President and 2017 Circle of Excellence Award recipient. “He is a leader who listens to all input with intent and works tirelessly towards consensus for the Association as a whole. His genuine kindness and enthusiasm for life make us all feel motivated to strive for excellence for our staff and residents alike.”

In 2022, Reed was recognized by Influence Magazine as an industry leader and one of the Most Influential People in Florida Politics, and City & State Florida ranked him in the top 12 among Florida's Healthcare Power 100.  Under Reed’s leadership, the Association has also won numerous awards, including the Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference 2019 Public/Private Achievement Award, the 2010 Advocacy in Action Award from the American Health Care Association, and the 2010 Association of the Year from the Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Throughout his career, Reed has dedicated his free time to mentoring the next generation – he founded the Future Builders of America, is a former board chair of Tallahassee Young Life, and is active with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Ladies Learning to Lead. He serves as an officer for the Affiliated State Health Care Association Executives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2024

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