FHPCA Announces 2015 Officers


Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) is pleased to announce position changes to its Board Leadership and Executive Committee for 2015.

Susan de CSusan de Cubauba, MA, ACHE, President & CEO, Treasure Coast Hospice, served as FHPCA’s Internal Vice President before being elected as Chair. Susan has worked for Treasure Coast Hospice for ten years, overseeing various departments including Bereavement, Volunteer Services, Marketing, Foundation, Finance, IT and Compliance. She was recognized by the American Marketing Association as one of the top non-profit marketers in the country and was responsible for Treasure Coast Hospice’s award winning media education campaign. Susan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University with a double major in Humanities and Spanish, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from University of South Florida.

Ron FriedRon Fried, Executive Vice President of Development and Public Affairs, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, was elected as the Internal Vice Chair. Ron brings to the FHPCA Executive Committee more than 20 years of hospice management and administrative responsibilities and more than 30 years of experience in legislative and regulatory affairs. Ron oversees public policy issues for VITAS and manages those activities at both the state and federal level. Ron serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and a member of the FHPCA Board of Directors. Ron also serves as immediate past Chair of NHPCO’s affiliate, the Hospice Action Network.

Linda WardLinda Ward, MSW, President & CEO, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care finished her term as FHPCA Chair and now serves as the Past Chair. Linda has 26 years of healthcare experience in acute care, long-term care and hospice care along with administrative experience in operations, management and marketing. As President & CEO of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, Linda is responsible for overall operations of a $30M company, census growth and revenue, as well as provision of quality of care to patients and families. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Healthcare Administration, and is a national speaker on the topics of Alzheimer’s, Hospice and customer loyalty, and is a member of many healthcare organizations.

 

Staying on in their current position is:

 

Bonnie AlkemaBonnie Alkema, RN, CHPN, Executive Director, Catholic Hospice, remains in her role as Secretary. Bonnie, who has over 20 years of experience in the hospice healthcare industry, has been with Catholic Hospice since 2008, where she was previously the Director of Performance Improvement. She comes from Caring People Home Healthcare Agency where she was the Director of Operations and Director of Nursing. A seasoned nurse, Bonnie has served as General Manager, National Patient Care Administrator, Patient Care Administrator, and Team Manager, all within the hospice field.

 

Tom BarbTom Barb, MHA, President & CEO, HPH Hospice, remains FHPCA’s Treasurer. Tom has been president and CEO of HPH Hospice since July of 2008, and brings his 35 years of varied healthcare experience with for-profit, non-profit and governmental hospital organizations to FHPCA’s Board of Directors. Tom has a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Florida and a Masters of Health Administration from Georgia State University.

 

Jim PooleJim Poole, CHA, VP Community & Legislative Affairs, Haven Hospice, remains in his role as the External Vice Chair. Jim’s background has been community engagement and economic development, having lead the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County Economic Development Council over the last 19 years. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoys golf when he can find the time.

 

Paul Ledford, President & CEO of FHPCA says, “A large part of FHPCA’s success stems from the expertise and involvement of our members. I am especially grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Executive Committee.” For over 30 years, FHPCA has been representing Florida’s hospice programs. The mission of FHPCA is to assure excellence and access to hospice care, and advocate for the needs of those in the final phases of life.