By Amy Stulick
Mark Parkinson, CEO and president of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), has announced his retirement in 2025 after 13 years with the association.
Parkinson plans to remain in his role until Jan. 15 of next year as the association conducts a search for his successor. AHCA/NCAL aims to narrow down a new leader this fall after interviews in the spring and summer.
Reflecting on his time with AHCA/NCAL, Parkinson said, “It’s bittersweet. I am very pleased and satisfied with what we’ve accomplished over the last 13 years, particularly in leading the sector through the challenges of the pandemic. On the other hand, I love this job, so it’s definitely a bittersweet announcement for me.”
Originally planning to retire earlier, Parkinson decided to stay on through President Biden’s term due to the challenges members faced under the Biden administration, including a reform initiative.
He also expressed his desire to continue working with providers in some capacity after his departure, focusing on those who are seeking to achieve excellence in their services.
Prior to his time at AHCA/NCAL, Parkinson served as the 45th Governor of Kansas and previously owned and operated long-term care facilities in Kansas and Missouri with his wife, Stacy.
Legacy and loose ends
Parkinson’s main accomplishment during his tenure was uniting trade associations within the sector, including the merger of AHCA with the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care in 2013. This unity has enabled AHCA/NCAL to have a stronger political and lobbying presence than ever before.
He also highlighted successes such as advancing quality metrics for providers, negotiating a new Medicare payment model, and developing new products and initiatives for members.
A bright future
Parkinson expressed optimism about the future of the skilled nursing industry, citing demographic changes and new reimbursement programs as indicators of a “really bright” future.
He also addressed the need for challenges to managed care companies, emphasizing the importance of holding them accountable for providing direct patient care.
Advice for leaders and the industry
In providing advice for his successor and industry leaders, Parkinson emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse needs of providers across the country, as well as the necessity of trade associations for the industry’s success.
