The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has honored its Chief Executive Officer, Emmett Reed, with the 2024 Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award at the Association’s Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.
The Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award is FHCA’s highest honor. Recipients are chosen by previous award winners who represent past presidents and other notable figures 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 consistently worked for the growth and development of the Association over time. Established in 1972, it honors Walter M. Johnson, Jr., who served as president of FHCA from 1969-71 and was instrumental in establishing an effective committee system for legislative, reimbursement, and regulatory issues.
Emmett Reed has served as CEO of FHCA since 2009, overseeing overall operations and directing Association staff to implement goals set by the Board of Directors. His tenure focuses on strengthening member relations, building coalitions to achieve legislative priorities, and promoting initiatives to 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 John Mangine of Southern Healthcare Management and 2023 Circle of Excellence Award recipient. “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 FHCA 15 years ago, Reed emphasized a strong presence in the legislative process and promoting the Association’s agenda before key audiences. This approach earned FHCA a seat at the table with key decision-makers and fostered relationships with legislative leadership.
Reed’s tenure as CEO has faced challenges including funding obstacles, a new Medicaid Reimbursement System, COVID-19 pandemic impacts, hurricanes, workforce shortages, among others. Despite these challenges, his leadership has guided the Association through difficult times while maintaining hope and vigor.
Under Reed's leadership, FHCA is outpacing national quality measures with other states looking to Florida for best practices. Membership is at an all-time high; the Association is financially healthy; and significant gains have been made in funding while prioritizing high-quality resident care.
“Emmett has navigated us through some of the most challenging times we’ve faced as an Association and has done so with utmost strength,” said Joe Mitchell, FHCA Past President and 2017 Circle of Excellence Award recipient. “He listens intently to all input and works tirelessly towards consensus for the Association as a whole.”
In 2022, Reed was recognized by Influence Magazine as one of Florida Politics' Most Influential People; City & State Florida ranked him among Florida's Healthcare Power 100 top twelve. Under his leadership, FHCA received numerous awards including: Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference 2019 Public/Private Achievement Award; American Health Care Association's Advocacy in Action Award (2010); Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce's Association of the Year (2010).
Reed also dedicates his free time mentoring future generations—founding Future Builders of America—and actively participates with organizations like Fellowship of Christian Athletes.