Florida Health Care Association (FHCA), the state’s largest advocacy organization representing over 700 long-term care facilities and more than 1,000 professional members, has elected Julie Morris of New Smyrna Beach as President. Morris is Vice President of Operations for Aston Health, which manages 47 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities across Florida. As President, she will lead the Association’s 30-member Board of Directors and focus on strengthening partnerships across the continuum of care, growing the next generation of long-term care professionals, and maintaining Florida's high standards in quality care.
“The success of our Association for the past 70 years is a result of an actively engaged membership that recognizes the fact that our people drive progress and quality,” said Morris. “My goal is to continue finding innovative ways for the Association to further invest in our caregivers – from leadership development, mentorships, scholarship opportunities and grassroots advocacy. The future is bright for Florida and our long term care community, and I’m thrilled to lead this Board through the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Morris has worked in long-term care for over 30 years in both nursing home administration and regional operations. She has been actively involved with FHCA throughout her career. Previously, she served on the FHCA Executive Committee as Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary; on the Board of Directors as both a Region Vice President and District President; and chaired the association’s Workforce and Annual Conference committees. She is also a graduate of the FHCA Florida Leaders program and frequently presents on workforce and leadership topics.
Joining Morris on the FHCA Board of Directors are:
- Senior Vice President Joshua Wagoner from North Campus Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Leesburg
- Treasurer Patricia Spears from Topaz Fiscal Services in Jacksonville
- Secretary Isis Fernandez from Hialeah Shores Nursing & Rehabilitation in Miami
- Independent Owner Vice President Neil Sutton from NuVision Management in Ft. Lauderdale
- Not-for-Profit Vice President Mike Ward from Pines of Sarasota
- Member at Large Mel Beal from Facility Support Company in West Palm Beach
- Immediate Past President Anita Faulmann from Excelsior Care Group in Tierra Verde
Additional officers include:
- Multifacility Vice President Vernon Zeger from The Lilac Health Group in Lake Mary
- Assisted Living Facility Vice President Lonnie Steckler from The Pointe of North Gables in West Miami
- Associate Member Vice President Stephen Lomonico from Thrive Behavioral Sciences in Trinity
- Region I Vice President Monica Calonge from Palmetto Subacute Care Center in Miami
- Region II Vice President Brittney Traill from Orlando Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Region III Vice President Daniel Frenden from Balanced Healthcare in Kenneth City
- Region IV Vice President Melinda Gay from Washington Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Chipley
FHCA's Board also includes presidents of 16 local districts across Florida.