Bob Asztalos, the Florida Health Care Association’s long-time chief lobbyist and emergency response coordinator, was recognized with the association’s highest honor: the Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award. Asztalos, who is retiring this fall, was named the award recipient at FHCA’s 2020 Virtual Conference.
The award is given annually to an FHCA member who has made significant contributions to the development of the association and has a long history of doing so. Asztalos has shown exceptional leadership and commitment to the long term care profession over the past 30 years.
“Bob has been an invaluable member of our team, doing so much over the years to strengthen FHCA and make sure Florida’s nursing homes receive the resources they need,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA’s Executive Director. “His determination to solve problems and his unmatched negotiating skills have earned him the highest level of respect from state and national policymakers and leaders throughout the long term care profession.”
In his role as FHCA’s chief lobbyist, Asztalos has helped ensure that policies and funding are in place to help nursing homes care for the state’s most frail residents. And as the association’s emergency response coordinator, he has been a fixture in the state’s Emergency Operations Center and has even organized trucks bringing supplies to hurricane-stricken caregivers. A military veteran, Asztalos has also served meals to veterans in need and presented medals to veteran residents in care centers.
“Everyone turns to Bob for sound wisdom and advice, especially when it comes to the political landscape. His outstanding commitment to ethics and professionalism makes him trusted and admired by many,” said Andrew Weisman, last year’s co-recipient of the award who made the presentation virtually to Asztalos this year.
The Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award is part of Florida Health Care Association’s annual Long Term Care Excellence Achievement Awards, which were presented during FHCA’s Virtual Conference, August 18-20. These awards annually honor a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Administrator of the Year, as well as a business partner and other individuals for their service and dedication to long term care. For more information about FHCA’s Long Term Care Excellence Achievement Awards, visit the FHCA website at http://www.fhca.org/membership/ltcawards.