Movers and Shakers: People and Positions For Week of March 11, 2011

Feeling lucky this St. Patrick’s Day?  This week’s batch of movers and shakers might say that they’ve been lucky because they’re such hard workers.  Got staffing announcements?  Send them our way at [email protected]

 

Dr. David Gifford To Head AHCA/NCAL’s Enhanced Quality & Regulatory Department

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) reported that David R. Gifford, MD, MPH will be joining the Association as Senior Vice President of Quality and Regulatory Affairs to lead its internal quality department while pioneering initiatives on quality improvement in long term care.

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Dr. Gifford will head a new, enhanced department that oversees current quality initiatives, such Quality First, Keeping the Promise andthe AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program – a pathway for our members to achieve performance excellence. He also will develop new programs to help Association members provide high quality, person-centered care.  He will work closely with the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes Campaign and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement quality initiatives for members.

Prior to joining AHCA, Dr. Gifford served as the Director of the Rhode Island State Department of Health since March 2005, where he led efforts to revamp the nursing home survey process to promote resident centered models of care. Dr. Gifford previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Quality Partners of Rhode Island where he directed CMS’ national nursing home-based quality improvement effort. He is a board certified geriatrician who has devoted most of his career to nursing home quality and understands the needs of nursing home residents, having worked as a geriatrician and medical director in a number of nursing facilities.

Dr. Gifford currently serves as council chair for the National Quality Forum’s Public & Community Health Council and is a member of the National Commission on Prevention Priorities as well as numerous other health related committees. He also is a clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Community Health at the Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine.

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Watermere at Southlake Names Janet Mariani Sales assistant

Janet Mariani

Janet Mariani was recently named sales assistant of Watermere at Southlake, a master-planned development for homeowners aged 55 plus. The announcement was made by Chuck Hammond, partner of Southlake Watermark Holdings LP.  Mariani received her master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas Arlington. Prior to joining Watermere, Mariani worked as a sales assistant for Classic Residence by Hyatt and as the resident care supervisor for Caruth Haven Court, an assisted living center.

 

 

National Health Investors Promotes Justin Hutchens to CEO

National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE: NHI) has announced that pursuant to its previously disclosed succession plan, J. Justin Hutchens, the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2011. W. Andrew Adams will remain Chairman of the Company.  Mr. Hutchens joined the Company in 2009 as President and Chief Operating Officer and has been working with Mr. Adams in a formal succession plan to prepare him for his new responsibilities. A member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Hutchens has 15 years of field operations experience in the senior care sector prior to joining NHI.

 

Willow Towers Assisted Living Names Director of Phoenix Memory Program

Willow Towers Assisted Living has named Alice Feintuch as director of the Phoenix Memory Program.  Ms. Feintuch will oversee the Phoenix Memory Program including supervision of the care managers. She will also manage recreational activities and programs, the residents’ general well being and family support programs. Ms. Feintuch was formerly a care consultant with the Alzheimer’s Association.  Prior to the Alzheimer’s Association, she was a geriatric social worker for the Town of Eastchester Senior Programs and Services.  Ms. Feintuch graduated with a Masters in social work from Columbia University. She holds an undergraduate degree in art therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

 

Edgemere Names Harris Director of Nursing

Cathy Harris

The Plaza Health Services at Edgemere has named Cathy Harris, BA, RN, RRT, director of nursing.  Prior to joining The Plaza Health Services at Edgemere, Harris served as director of nursing as well as director of risk management at Presbyterian Communities and Services. She has more than 30 years experience in health care, including more than 20 years as a nurse consultant and director.

“Cathy brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the importance of quality of life to her role as director of nursing,” said Falldine. “Her strong leadership abilities, extensive health care experience and dedication to residents and family members will ensure that the level of service at Edgemere continues to exceed the expectations of the community we serve.”