What’s happening: AHCA/NCAL is excited to announce the opening of applications for the next class of the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). DELP is a competitive application process, in which fifteen selected individuals will participate in a two-year leadership program consisting of education and networking in the AHCA/NCAL community.

• The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026.

About DELP: The program’s goals are:

• To provide individuals representing the diverse groups working in AHCA/NCAL member provider organizations with support, access, and opportunities for leadership.
• To provide AHCA/NCAL with increased access to a diverse pool of talented, engaged members and/or leaders such as committee members and chairs, board members, AHCA Council of States representatives and NCAL State Leaders.

Throughout the program, AHCA/NCAL covers much of the costs for DELP scholars, providing access to various trainings, meetings, and events, with scholars earning continuing education (CE) credits. This includes attendance at:

• Delivering Solutions, the AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Expo (2026, 2027)
• Congressional Briefing (2027, 2028)
• DELP Leadership Training and Future Leaders Symposium (2026)
• DELP Leadership Training and Political Ambassadors Program (2027)

Who should apply: To participate scholars must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Have at least three years’ experience in mid- to senior-level long-term care management positions or at least one year as a C-suite executive or owner.
• Be a full-time employee (not a contractor/consultant) of a skilled nursing facility, assisted living community or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICFs/IID) Residential Services provider in good standing with an AHCA/NCAL state affiliate.
• Assist in the achievement of the program goal to establish a cohort of participants that represent diversity across the long term care sector by learning from each other, developing and sharing solutions to current and emerging issues with the AHCA/NCAL community, and enhancing themselves as leaders and ambassadors of AHCA/NCAL.

Questions? Please contact Christy Herle at Christy Herle.