PHCA Announces New President/CEO

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Nov. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- W. Russell McDaid, M.H.A, a veteran health and human services policy advisor and long-time advocate for the state's frail elderly and disabled residents, has been named President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA), effective Jan. 1, 2016.

"I'm truly humbled by this selection," said McDaid, addressing more than 600 attendees at the PHCA 2015 Annual Convention and Trade Show at Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia. The convention was among the largest that PHCA has ever held, with more than 600 attendees and 100 speakers.

"For more than 20 years, I've been fighting to ensure Pennsylvania's frail elderly and disabled residents get the high-quality care they need and deserve," McDaid said. "I consider it an honor and a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who are on the front lines each and every day providing that care. I take seriously my responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need to do the best job possible for the residents in their care."

McDaid will succeed PHCA's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stuart Shapiro, who is retiring at the end of 2015, after eight years as head of the association.

"Russ has been such a tireless advocate and leader over the years," Dr. Shapiro said. "We were fortunate when he brought his skills and talents to PHCA, and we are even more fortunate today knowing he will lead us into the future. I expect him to continue building on what has been an astounding record of success at the association."

McDaid joined PHCA in April 2013 as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President before being named President and Chief Operating Officer earlier this year. McDaid has managed the day-to-day operations of the association while spearheading the association's budget and policy initiatives.

Prior to his time at PHCA, McDaid spent nearly two decades in health and human services policy, including time as the Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer for LeadingAge PA, a statewide association representing not-for-profit senior care and service providers. Before LeadingAge PA, he was a senior health and human services policy advisor to Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker, directing policy across multiple state agencies as the Deputy Director of the Governor's Policy Office.

McDaid also served as one of the principal advisors to Ridge during the development of Pennsylvania's "Health Investment Plan," which provided the initial blueprint to use the commonwealth's share of the tobacco settlement proceeds, and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the health research grants and the "Adult Basic" program funded with the proceeds.

He currently holds an appointment to Pennsylvania's federally mandated Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC), which provides direction and guidance to the state Department of Health and Human Services in administering the $15 billion in annual spending on Medical Assistance programs. Additionally, he has served on numerous other advisory committees and task forces providing stakeholder input to the state departments of Public Welfare, Aging and Health.

McDaid graduated from Penn State University, receiving both his bachelor's degree in Broadcast/Cable Communications in 1990 and his Master of Health Administration in 1995. He and his wife, Terri, reside in Lebanon, and have two daughters, Rose and Grace.

The Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) is a statewide advocacy organization for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable older residents and their providers of care. Members comprise for-profit, nonprofit and government providers. Together, they represent more than 500 long-term care and senior service providers that care for more than 50,000 elderly and disabled individuals. For more information call (717) 221-1800 or visit www.phca.org.

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA)

Related Links

http://www.phca.org