Staff

President and CEO

Keith serves as the chief executive officer, responsible to the board of directors, for the effective conduct of the affairs of the association and related organizations (Virginia Health Care Services Corporation, the Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation, National Health Care Services, Inc. and the VHCA Political Action Committee). He recommends and formulates the association’s mission, goals, objectives, and policies and apprises members of issues affecting them. He is responsible for the effective use of the physical and financial resources of the association and related organizations. In addition, he represents the association to member, public and allied groups.

Fun facts about Keith:

Lives and dies with Tennessee football – 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 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 11 Governors of Virginia.
Write with my right hand, throw with my left – “I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous.”

Vice President of Quality Improvement and
Director of the Virginia Center for Assisted Living

April Payne, 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 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 “mini-me.”
Is a fitness fanatic and teaches group exercise at a local fitness club.
You may know her as “Becca”, short for her middle name, Rebecca.
Is one of six (6!) sisters.

Vice President of Strategy and Communications

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

Amy is responsible for the association’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 the progress being made toward implementing the VHCA-VCAL’s strategic plan goals.

Fun facts about Amy:

Makes great chocolate chip cookies.
Loves sitting in the front row of roller coasters—my favorites are Space Mountain at Disney World and The Griffon at Busch Gardens.
Is an avid shell collector in search of a junonia.

Vice President of Member Services and Education

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 – 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.

Director of Government Affairs

Lisette Carbajal
Phone: (804) 212-1697

Lisette Carbajal serves as the Director of Government Affairs. In this role she is our advocate before the General Assembly. She also manages our engagement on federal issues and coordinates VHCA PAC activities.

Fun Facts about Lisette

My dream is to get a chance to announce myself before a prime time NFL game as “Lisette Carbajal, THE University of Virginia,” even though I never played football.
Die-hard UVA fan, so 2019 was big for me. (Editor’s note: Do you see a UVA theme here?)
Spanish is my first language.

Chief Financial Officer

Barbara “Brad” Kallus
Phone: (804) 212-1694

Brad serves as the Chief Financial Officer of VHCA and its subsidiaries. She also serves as the CFO of National Healthcare Services and VHCA Political Action Committee. Brad is responsible for all of the association’s accounting and human resources-related functions.

Fun facts about Brad:

Skied on the Virginia State Ski Team (a long time ago).
Lived in Europe for four and a half years.
Loves golf, bridge, and my grandkids.
Active in my parish.

Member Services Coordinator

Linda Pretlow
Phone: (804) 212-1696

Linda is responsible for maintaining and updating the association’s membership records. She also manages the administrative side of VHCA-VCAL’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 pursue consignment and antique shops to find great deals.

Administrative Assistant

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.