FHCA Past President, John Simmons of Jacksonville, was presented this week with an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Florida Health Care Association. Surrounded by family, friends and long term care colleagues at PruittHealth-Fleming Island, John was presented the certificate by FHCA Chief Executive Officer Emmett Reed and members of the FHCA Executive Committee – Kathy Gallin, Senior Vice President, and Josh Wagoner, Secretary. The event was organized by PruittHealth-Fleming Island administrator Eric Weisz, a former FHCA District President who previously served with John in various volunteer leadership capacities.
John’s dedication included serving as President of the association from 2016-2018. Prior to that, he served in a number of Board positions, including Region Vice President, District President and as Chair of several member committees. John also served as a Nursing Home Preceptor in which he mentored Administrators in Training and helped young professionals grow in their long term care career. He was also known for his tremendous advocacy, regularly visiting with lawmakers, hosting facility tours and traveling to Tallahassee during the legislative session to educate policymakers about the issues impacting long term care providers in Florida.
“We’re pleased to honor John as a lifetime member on behalf of the more than 650 care centers and thousands of caregivers and residents we represent. He has left a lasting impression on the association and the long term care profession, and we are extremely grateful for the contributions he has made over the years,” said Anita Faulmann, FHCA President.
CEO Emmett Reed also recalled John’s role in helping to establish the association’s Education & Training Center, a 6,000 square foot indoor/outdoor meeting space that FHCA uses for various internal and community events. “John played a significant role in getting this project off the ground,” said Reed. “Today the training center is used by members, local associations, nonprofit groups, legislators and others and is a well-recognized space in Tallahassee’s downtown community.”
Honorary Lifetime Membership in FHCA is a distinctive honor reserved for those individuals who have a long-standing history of outstanding service to the association. FHCA’s Board of Directors vote to award individuals with this distinction in recognition of their many years of leadership, service and support.
To view photos from the event, click here.