2026 ACHCA Election Information

Help Shape the Future of ACHCA Leadership

ACHCA Leadership

ACHCA announces that elections will open on February 18, 2026 and remain open until March 11, 2026. We encourage all eligible members to take part in this important opportunity to help shape the future leadership of our association and the profession of post-acute and long-term care administration.

Eligible voting members will receive an email with instructions on how to access and submit their online ballot when the election period begins.

Voting is a meaningful way to support strong, forward-thinking leadership and ensure ACHCA continues to reflect the diversity, experience, and perspectives of the communities we serve. By casting your vote, you play a direct role in strengthening ACHCA’s impact and advancing excellence in long-term care leadership nationwide.

Open Leadership Positions and Candidate Information

  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Directors from Districts 1, 2 and 10
  • Nominating Committee (2)

Secretary (1-year Term: 2026–2027)

One candidate. Write-ins accepted.

Philip D. Jean

Philip D. Jean, FACHCA

Candidate Statement:
I have been a member of ACHCA for over 25 years and am proud to have attained both my CNHA certification and Fellow status during that time. Early on when I joined ACHCA, I was welcomed by and made lasting connections with other members who have supported me along the way. I've always felt that being of service to others was a way to give back to the profession. I've had the privilege of serving on numerous ACHCA chapter and national committees over the years from professional advancement to mentoring, in addition to being nominated to serve on the Board of Directors a few terms. It would be my honor to be reelected as Secretary and continue serving the members of ACHCA through peer support, leadership development and advocacy I have a proven track record for successfully leading for-profit and nonprofit health care organizations and professional associations aimed at building collaboration and strong partnerships designed to drive exceptional outcomes. My experience with board service, combined with almost 30 years of executive level experience in the post-acute health services continuum, would allow me to support ACHCA's strategic initiatives and foundational programs that are centered on supporting members and emerging leaders. As a highly engaged leader with a passion for driving quality healthcare programs and outcomes, I feel confident that my business strategy experience, combined with a solid leadership background, makes me an ideal candidate. Thank you for your support.

Treasurer (1-year Term: 2026–2027)

One candidate. Write-ins accepted.

Israel S. Ray

Israel S. Ray, FACHCA

Candidate Statement:
I would be an honor to serve for a second term as national treasurer and to create further synergy and financial progress with the help and assistance of the finance committee, executive board, ACHCA CEO, and our board at large. We have made tremendous strides in financial improvement, compared to previous years, thanks to our board and ACHCA leadership. I would like to make the second year as treasurer even more fruitful than my first, if elected for a second term. I have been an active member and leader within ACHCA over 20 years and growing, serving as past KY chapter president and past District 3 Director. I am extremely proud of ACHCA and how it has helped me grow professionally over the past two decades.

District 1 (3-year Term: 2026–2029)

District 1 represents members in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Only members located in District 1 will be able to vote on this ballot question. The membership can vote for one candidate. There is only one candidate. Write-ins will be accepted.

Michael Lacasse

Michael Lacasse, FACHCA

Candidate Statement:
For me, leadership has always been rooted in service. I am seeking election as the ACHCA District 1 Representative because I believe deeply in the mission of this organization and in the responsibility we carry as administrators to strengthen the profession, elevate care, and invest in the people who make our organizations thrive. ACHCA has been instrumental in shaping my development as a leader, and I want emerging and seasoned administrators alike to experience the same sense of support, belonging, and professional growth that has guided my own journey. District 1 is home to a diverse range of long-term care models — from assisted living communities to multi-level campuses and nursing facilities. Although our settings may differ, our challenges and aspirations are the same. We want to cultivate strong teams, uphold dignity for those we serve, and lead with clarity and accountability. I believe District 1 can be a model for collaborative, high-quality leadership by building stronger connections between state chapters, increasing the visibility of our administrators, and amplifying the innovative work happening in each of our states.
My vision for the future of ACHCA centers on three priorities. First, strengthening member engagement. Administrators deserve a professional home where they can learn, grow, and be supported by peers who understand the realities of this work. ACHCA must continue expanding mentorship, education, and networking opportunities that meet members where they are. Whether someone is new to the field or decades into their career, each administrator should feel that ACHCA is a place that invests in them. Second, elevating leadership development. The future of long-term care depends on leaders who are equipped not only with regulatory knowledge, but with emotional intelligence, communication skills, and a culture-driven mindset. As District 1 Representative, I will advocate for programming that helps administrators build both competence and confidence — the foundation of sustainable, people-centered leadership. Third, strengthening collaboration and expanding our district footprint. Each state in District 1 has unique strengths, and when we share best practices, celebrate innovation, and unify around common goals, the entire district grows stronger. I will work closely with chapter presidents to ensure they feel supported, connected, and empowered to grow their communities.
In addition, I believe District 1 must take an active role in cultivating engagement in states that do not yet have a chapter. By identifying champions, offering mentorship, and helping build the infrastructure needed for chapter development, we can expand ACHCA’s reach and create new opportunities for administrators across the region.

District 2 (3-year Term: 2026–2029)

District 2 represents Maryland, DC, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Only members located in District 2 may vote. One candidate. Write-ins accepted.

Keith Chambery

Keith Chambery, FACHCA

Candidate Statement:
I am honored to submit my candidacy for District 2 Director of the American College of Health Care Administrators. Serving in this role would allow me to give back to an organization that has been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey in post-acute and long-term care. ACHCA’s mission — to support individual administrators through education, collaboration, and advocacy — aligns closely with my professional values and vision for the future of our field. As a healthcare administrator serving in the District 2 region, I understand the complex regulatory environments and workforce challenges faced by leaders in New York, Pennsylvania, and neighboring chapters. I have seen firsthand how ACHCA’s professional community provides not only guidance but a sense of belonging. I want to build on this strength by promoting greater regional collaboration, encouraging peer mentorship, and ensuring that every administrator — from emerging professionals to seasoned fellows — feels supported and engaged.
If elected, I will focus on three core priorities: Strengthening Chapters and Local Engagement: Our profession depends on strong, connected leadership. I will work closely with chapter leaders in District 2 to revitalize local participation and share tools and best practices from national initiatives like the Chapter Leadership Development Institute (CLDI). Ensuring sustainable leadership at the chapter level is key to long-term member retention and impact. Championing Member Value and Growth: We must continue to communicate the unique value of ACHCA membership — not just as a credential, but as a professional home. I will advocate for expanded mentorship, networking, and development opportunities tailored to both new and experienced administrators. Programs like the certification reboot and emerging leader tracks should be a core part of our future. Amplifying Our Voice and Vision: ACHCA must continue defining itself as the leading organization for individual leaders in post-acute care. That means strengthening our brand, refining our strategic partnerships, and clearly articulating how we differ from facility-focused associations. I support initiatives that increase visibility and reinforce ACHCA’s commitment to excellence, ethics, and innovation.
My background has prepared me to represent our district with insight and dedication. I am passionate about leadership development, operational integrity, and building a future in which ACHCA continues to be the gold standard for administrators nationwide. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to serve, to listen, and to lead on behalf of District 2 and ACHCA’s greater mission.

District 10 (3-year Term: 2026–2029)

District 10 represents Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. No candidates. Write-ins accepted.

Nominating Committee (2-year Term: 2026–2028)

The membership can vote for up to two candidates. There is only one candidate. Write-ins will be accepted.

Demetrius Kirk

Demetrius Kirk, MBA, MSN, RN, LNHA, LSSGB, QCP, FACHCA

Candidate Statement:
I am seeking an elected leadership role within ACHCA to serve on the Nominating Committee, because I believe deeply in the mission of advancing competent, ethical, and prepared leaders in post-acute and long-term care administration, and because I believe the organization is strongest when its leadership pathways are intentional, fair, and grounded in real-world readiness. My relationship with ACHCA has been formative. As a Fellow, educator, and national speaker, I have benefited from the standards, credibility, and professional community the organization represents. At the same time, my career has been built inside facilities facing real risk, failed systems, enforcement actions, and leadership breakdowns. That experience has shaped how I view governance and leadership development. Titles and tenure alone do not protect residents, staff, or organizations. Systems, accountability, and prepared leaders do.
I am motivated to serve because I want to help ensure that ACHCA continues to elevate leaders who are not only well-intentioned, but ready. Ready to govern. Ready to manage conflict. Ready to understand risk, compliance, and complexity. Ready to lead in environments that are increasingly scrutinized, regulated, and resource-constrained. My background positions me uniquely for this work. I have served as a licensed administrator, nurse executive, consultant, educator, and founder, working nationally with organizations at every point on the performance spectrum. I have evaluated leaders in high-stakes situations, built governance and compliance systems from the ground up, and coached administrators and boards through difficult decisions. This has given me a practical understanding of what leadership competence looks like beyond resumes and reputations.
Looking forward, I believe ACHCA’s future depends on continuing to strengthen leadership pipelines with transparency, diversity of thought, and a clear definition of readiness. This includes thoughtful consideration of conflict of interest, geographic and practice-setting diversity, and emerging leadership skills such as systems thinking, data literacy, and risk management. It also includes mentoring future leaders intentionally, not incidentally. If elected, I would bring a steady, fair, and principled approach to leadership service. I value process, confidentiality, and consistency. I am comfortable having difficult conversations respectfully and making decisions that prioritize the long-term health of the organization over short-term comfort. I do not view leadership as recognition, but as responsibility. Ultimately, I want ACHCA to continue being an organization where leadership is earned, developed, and trusted. Serving in an elected position would allow me to contribute meaningfully to that goal, steward the mission with integrity, and help shape a future leadership bench that reflects both excellence and preparedness. Thank you for your consideration. Dr Kirk

Campaign Guidelines

Candidates may promote their candidacy professionally and collegially. Chain emails, mass endorsements, or electioneering are prohibited and may result in disqualification. Candidate statements and bios will be posted on the ACHCA website for read-only viewing.

Additional Information

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