WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced that Kathy E. Gallin, vice president of legislative affairs at Signature Healthcare and Joseph DeMattos, former CEO of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM) have been named recipients of the prestigious
Joe Warner Patient Advocacy Award. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advocating for the needs of the long term care profession.
Named in honor of the late Joe Warner, the former president and CEO of Illinois-based Heritage Enterprises and a tireless champion for long term and post-acute care, the award is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing quality care and patient-centered policies at the local, state, or national level.
“Joe and Kathy exemplify the true values that this award stands for — compassion, integrity, and a relentless drive to improve the lives of others,”
said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “We are lucky to have them advocating on behalf of the long term care sector, so our residents can thrive, and we can continue to deliver high-quality care.”
With more than 35 years in the health care space, Gallin has tirelessly advocated for legislative and health care policy reforms impacting long term care at both the state and federal levels. Gallin is widely recognized for her deep expertise in long term care policy and her steadfast commitment to advancing the needs of vulnerable populations. Her advocacy has led to critical policy changes, including spearheading efforts to increase the Personal Needs Allowance in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee—an initiative that continues to benefit residents across the nation. Gallin serves on AHCA’s Council for Post-Acute Care and Legislative Committee, actively engaging in federal advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. She is a recipient of the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Award and the Florida Health Care Association’s Arthur B. Harris Government Services Award, a testament to her leadership and impact in the profession.
DeMattos is a highly respected and accomplished government relations and public affairs professional. Prior to his role as the president and CEO of HFAM, he was senior state director for AARP Maryland, where he managed the Baltimore-based state office and oversaw statewide advocacy, community service, and educational initiatives. In 2024, DeMattos received The Maryland Daily Record's ICON Award, recognizing his enduring contributions and leadership. In 2022, he was honored with the National Part-Time Adjunct Professor of the Year Award by the Gerontological Society of America. He was also named one of The Maryland Daily Record's Top 30 Healthcare Leaders and a Maryland Leader in Healthcare by the Baltimore Business Journal. With extensive experience spanning non-profit leadership, private enterprise, and state government, DeMattos’ impact on the profession has reached far and wide.
The awards will be formally presented during AHCA/NCAL’s Congressional Briefing, a pivotal two-day event that offers long term care professionals a unique opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and advocate for policies that support the profession.
To learn more about this year’s Joe Warner Patient Advocacy Award recipients or for more information on Congressional Briefing, visit
AHCA/NCAL’s website.