By Amy Stulick
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is ushering in a new era with the appointment of Clifton J. Porter II as the organization’s next president and CEO. Porter will make history as the first African American to hold this leadership role in AHCA/NCAL’s 75-year existence.
Currently serving as the senior vice president of government relations for AHCA/NCAL, Porter has been a driving force behind the association’s legislative agenda and advocacy efforts. In a statement, Porter acknowledged the crucial moment in history that he steps into as the new leader.
As the nation continues its recovery from the pandemic and with a growing elderly population to care for, Porter emphasized the importance of quality improvement efforts and investments to strengthen the workforce and modernize approaches in the profession.
Following Mark Parkinson’s retirement announcement in February, a selection committee appointed by Phil Scalo, chair of the AHCA Board of Governors, undertook the task of choosing his successor. As AHCA/NCAL’s next leader, Porter will be tasked with key strategic objectives focusing on workforce, reimbursement, and the regulatory environment. He will also oversee trade shows, events, member education, and strategic partnerships.
With a wealth of experience in the long-term care field spanning 35 years, Porter has a background as a nursing home volunteer, administrator, and regional director of operations. His advocacy efforts at HCR ManorCare have helped secure critical resources for the sector during the pandemic.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Porter and his wife, Deborah, have established the Porter Legacy Scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for students pursuing health services degrees.
