Derek L. Prince Chosen as a Future Long Term Care Leader

AUSTIN, Texas, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Health Care Association (THCA) announced today that Derek L. Prince has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a future leader in long term care. Prince will join the Association's Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance for long term care professionals.

"AHCA/NCAL is committed to taking a proactive role in creating opportunities for long term care leaders to improve their understanding of the profession, and to promote a culture of quality within their facilities," said Mark Parkinson, President & CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "We look forward to seeing the 2012-2013 Future Leaders helping to pioneer the future of long term care, benefiting the millions of Americans who rely on skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities every day."

"Since 2005, Derek has served as a valued board member of THCA, providing trusted expertise in long term care issues and an ongoing dedication to advocating for Texas' seniors," said Tim Graves, President of THCA. "Derek is very active in policy discussions with the Texas Legislature and interacts on a regular basis with congressional and state legislative members, staff, and committees regarding the association's proposals and initiatives. He is a stand-out long term care professional and we look forward to his continued leadership as he takes part in the Future Long Term Care Leader Program."

Derek Prince, President and Managing Director of HMG Healthcare, LLC, owns and operates 10 skilled nursing facilities in the greater Houston area and manages seven additional properties across Texas. During his 18 year career in the healthcare industry, much of Mr. Prince's experience has involved the financial restructuring and operational turnaround of underperforming healthcare services businesses.  Prior to HMG Healthcare, Prince worked with Fundamental Clinical Consulting and served as an Administrator, Regional Vice President, and Divisional Vice President of Operations. Before joining Fundamental Clinical Consulting, Mr. Prince was Executive Director of Autumn Leaves Retirement Campus; a CCRC located on White Rock Lake in Dallas. Mr. Prince resides in Dallas, has a B.S. in Applied Gerontology with an emphasis in Long Term Administration and an MBA from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.

Since 2004, AHCA/NCAL has hosted long term care professionals in the Future Leaders program. Selected participants have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in representing the interests of long term care providers at the state and national levels. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership. The year-long program kicks off with a two-day symposium, "Future Leaders of Long Term Care in America," held each year in July in Washington, DC. This year's symposium will take place June 27-29.

The American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 11,000 non-profit and proprietary facilities dedicated to continuous improvement in the delivery of professional and compassionate care provided daily by millions of caring employees to 1.5 million of our nation's frail, elderly and disabled citizens who live in nursing facilities, assisted living residences, subacute centers and homes for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. For more information, please visit www.ahcancal.org.

Founded in 1950, the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) is the largest long term care association in Texas. THCA represents a broad spectrum of long term care providers and professionals offering long term, rehabilitative and specialized health care services. Member facilities, owned by both for-profit and non-profit entities, include nursing facilities, specialized rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living facilities.

SOURCE Texas Health Care Association