ACHCA Announces 2024 Election Results

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 2, 2024 – The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is pleased to announce the results of its 2024 election to fill positions on the ACHCA Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee accepted the election results on Thursday, March 28, 2024. Results are based on a plurality of the votes cast by the voting membership. 

Those elected to the ACHCA Board of Directors will be sworn in at the inaugural Board meeting in May and then begin their terms. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who submitted nominations and participated in the election process. We welcome our new and returning Board members:  

Gary "BRENT" Waymire, CNHA, FACHCA

Brent will serve his first term as District 3 Director. The District 3 Director serves the states Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. With a robust career spanning over 40 years, he has dedicated his professional life to healthcare administration, focusing on long-term care, assisted living, and independent living communities. His extensive experience and long-standing commitment to ACHCA since joining in May 1985 position him to meaningfully contribute to the association's growth and the broader community it serves.  

Helaine B Ledany, CNHA, FACHCA

Helanie has been elected to serve a second term on the Board of Directors. As the District 5 Director, she supports the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. She has been a member since 1999 and served as President of the New Jersey Chapter. She knows the importance of volunteerism as someone who has been active in professional and community organizations for many years. She looks to continue working together to build and grow the chapters and mentor leadership.

Mary Ayers, Retired Fellow

Mary has been elected as the District 6 Director on the Board of Directors. She supports the development and education opportunities of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin members. She has been in healthcare since 1974, starting as an aide and becoming a nurse in 1976. In 2001, she received her Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration.  She has been an administrator for over 25 years and has spent a large part of her career at New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  She has been an RDO and currently consults with facilities to prepare for survey, proctor for internships, and continues to work at the University of Northern Iowa teaching the Long Term Care Administrator tract as an adjunct.

^*NOTE: Since there were no qualified candidates or write-ins on the ballot for the District 4 Director, the Board Chair will appoint the individual who meets the qualifications after the election.  [ARTICLE IV Nominations, Voting, and Qualifications for Elections, Section 2 Voting, (g)] 

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View the current ACHCA Board of Directors.  

The newly elected members to ACHCA's Nominating Committee include:

Kenneth J. Huhn, FACHCA, previously served on the Nominating Committee in 2021.  He is the Administrator of Pinnacle Health & Rehab in Canton, ME.  Ken has been in healthcare for over 40 years as a clinician and a Healthcare Manager. He has managed healthcare programs in Acute Care Hospitals, Homecare, Skilled Nursing & Rehab Centers & Long-term Care. Ken’s principal interest in aging is in extending the abilities of people as they age and lessening the impact of diseases of aging, including dementia. 

Jose L Rojas Fernandez, FACHCA, CNHA, a Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator, has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare. His dedication and expertise have earned him recognition within the industry. He currently serves as a Healthcare Executive/Nursing Home Administrator at Paramount Care Centers in Somerville, New Jersey.  His commitment to excellence and mentorship exemplifies the spirit of leadership in long-term healthcare services. Through the ACHCA Mentoring Program, he contributes to the growth and development of future leaders in the profession.