Diversity Executive Leadership Program

​The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) are excited to launch the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP).  The program’s goals are to help advance the careers of long-term care professionals and develop diverse, motivated leaders to fuel organizational success. DELP Scholars will participate in an accelerated leadership program of education, mentoring, networking and volunteer service in the AHCA/NCAL community. In addition to participants from under-represented groups, consideration will be given to including diversity of AHCA/NCAL constituencies such as rural or urban, non-profit or proprietary and small, independently-owned, regional or multi-facility corporations.

Program Objectives:

To provide individuals from under-represented groups in AHCA/NCAL, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, and religion, to support, access, and opportunities for leadership.​


To provide AHCA/NCAL with increased access to a diverse pool of talented, engaged members and/or leaders such as committee members and chairs, board members, AHCA Council of States representatives and NCAL State Leaders.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Eligibility Requirements

  • Member of a defined under-represented identity group
  • Currently employed as a mid- to senior-level or C-suite professional at an AHCA/NCAL member skilled nursing facility, assisted living center or Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with ​Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICFs/IID)
  • Have at least three years’ experience in mid- to senior-level long term care management positions or at least one year as a C-suite executive
  • Have demonstrated professional, volunteer, or civic/community leadership experience
  • Be willing to meet all the program requirements listed below.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Program Requirements

DELP scholars will participate in a two-year leadership program from September 2024 through October 2024, to include education, networking and volunteer service with AHCA/NCAL.  Ten individuals selected to participate in the inaugural two-year program will:
 
  • Attend the DELP orientation to be held September 12 – 13, 2022 in Washington, DC
  • Participate in the 2022/2023 Future Leaders class to include a symposium held September 13 – 15, 2022 in Washington, DC immediately following the DELP orientation and quarterly book discussions/video conference calls
  • Attend both the 2022 and 2023 AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Expo and Congressional Briefing
  • Participate in the Political Ambassadors program to be held in September of 2023 in Washington, DC
  • Join and actively engage in at least one AHCA/NCAL committee
  • Attend at least one AHCA Board of Governors or NCAL Board of Directors meeting each year

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Benefits of Participation

​During the two-year program DELP scholars will receive:

  • Complimentary registration, travel and per diem in conjunction with the AHCA/NCAL travel policy to attend:
    • AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Expo (both years)
    • AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing (both years)
    • Future Leaders Symposium (first year)
    • Political Ambassadors Program (second year)
  • Continuing education (CE) credits for training and conference participation