President and CEO

Keith Hare Keith Hare
(804) 212-1693

Keith Hare serves as the President and CEO of VHCA-VCAL, the leading trade association for long term care providers in Virginia. He oversees advocacy, policy, and support initiatives for nursing and assisted living centers statewide. He previously served as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia, managing 12 agencies and over 16,000 employees. His background includes leadership roles in major healthcare associations and experience on as a Congressional aide. He played key roles in passing Virginiaā€™s 2009 smoking ban, negotiating a US Department of Justice settlement to expand disability services, and leading the long term care response during the COVID-19 pandemic. A frequent speaker and policy advisor, he holds a BA from the University of Tennessee and a MPA from Virginia Tech. He is also a proud husband and father of three.

Fun facts about Keith:

  • Lives and dies with Tennessee football ā€“ 365 days a year.
  • Still believe (in my heart) I could play for the Atlanta Braves.
  • The Rockfish Valley is my favorite place in Virginia.

Senior Vice President for Policy and Reimbursement

Steve FordSteve Ford
Phone: (804) 212-1695

Steve serves as the staff resource for reimbursement policy/methodologies (Medicare/Medicaid/all other) as well as for delivery systems (managed care/ACO/other).  He also assists in general policy research and advocacy for the association.

Fun facts about Steve:

  • Played college football at W&M with Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin.
  • Has shaken hands with 9 of the last 12 Governors of Virginia.
  • Write with my right hand, throw with my left ā€“ ā€œIā€™d give my right arm to be ambidextrous.”

Chief Quality and Regulatory Affairs Officer | Executive Director of VCAL

April Pane April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Phone: (804) 212-1698

April is responsible for developing a comprehensive quality improvement program for the association.  With her experience as a licensed nursing home administrator (LNHA), she supports members with regulatory, compliance, and clinical issues.  As Executive Director of VCAL, she provides staff support to our assisted living members.

Fun facts about April:

  • Loves being a mom to her daughter she calls her ā€œmini-me.ā€
  • Is a fitness fanatic and teaches group exercise at a local fitness club. 
  • You may know her as ā€œBeccaā€, short for her middle name, Rebecca.
  • Is one of six (6!) sisters.

Vice President of Strategy and Communications

Amy Hewett Amy Hewett, CAE
Phone: (804) 212-1691

Amy is responsible for the associationā€™s communications, including writing and editing CareConnection and event program emails, updating the website (like this page!), and public relations.  She also keeps tabs on on board governance issues and the progress being made toward implementing the VHCA-VCALā€™s strategic plan goals.

Fun facts about Amy:

  • Is likely to ask you what you’re reading so she can add your recommendation to her book list.
  • Loves sitting in the front row of roller coastersā€”her favorites are Space Mountain and The Griffon.
  • Is an avid shell collector in search of a junonia.

Vice President of Member Services and Education

Doran Hutchinson Doran Hutchinson
Phone: (804) 212-1692

Doran is responsible for the education programming and all aspects of planning and running the annual Convention and Trade Show.  She also manages the fundraising efforts for the PAC Golf Tournament, the Regirer Nursing Scholarship Golf Tournament, and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.  Doran plays a vital role in membership recruitment and retention.

Fun facts about Doran:

  • BIG Disney fan ā€“ actually has been the Grand Marshall in the parade at the Magic Kingdom.
  • Has taken ballet, tap, and jazz dance lessons since the age of three.
  • Enjoys cooking, reading, the beach, and spending time with family.
  • Has been with VHCA-VCAL for over 20 years.

Chief Financial Officer

Donna Yenney, CPA, CEP, CGMA
Phone: (804) 212-1694

Donna is an experienced accounting and financial reporting professional responsible for all of the accounting for the association and its subsidiaries as well as human resources-related functions.

Fun facts about Donna:

  • Virginia Tech graduate and a die-hard Hokie fan.
  • The beach is her happy place.
  • Enjoys travels and new adventuresā€”seeing Australia and the other side of the world is on her bucket list.

Member Services Coordinator

Linda Pretlow Linda Pretlow
Phone: (804) 212-1696

Linda is responsible for maintaining and updating the associationā€™s membership records.  She also manages the administrative side of VHCA-VCALā€™s events and programs by processing registrations, sending confirmations, and preparing materials for the programs.  In addition, she handles cash receipts and accounts receivables. 

Fun facts about Linda:

  • A native New Yorker, Linda moved to Virginia in 2006.
  • Likes to salsa dance.
  • Loves to peruse consignment and antique shops to find great deals.

Administrative Assistant

Kathy Robertson Kathy Robertson
Phone: (804) 212-1700

Kathy serves as the VHCA-VCAL receptionist and assists with the production and distribution of communications materials like CareConnection, program brochures, and flyers.  In addition, Kathy provides staff support to the six VHCA-VCAL Districts and the Regirer Nursing Scholarship Committee.  She also solicits and collates the submissions for the annual Faces & Stories in Long Term Care calendar.

Fun facts about Kathy:

  • Ice cream connoisseur.
  • At 12 years old, had the opportunity to meet Margaret Everly, the mother of the Everly Brothers, in her home.
  • Played the role of a shy blackbird in a small town play in Clarksville, VA.
  • Is in love with Kevin Bacon and has seen Tremors, The River Wild, Footloose, and Murder in the First about 20 times for each.