Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO, and Clifton J. Porter II, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, were recognized as recipients of the 2nd annual
McKnight's Pinnacle Awards last week in Chicago, Illinois. This awards program recognizes health care industry veterans with at least 20 years of experience who are setting the standards, driving change, providing guidance, and inspiring the profession.
Mark, who also received the McKnight's Pinnacle Award in 2022, received the McKnight’s Career Achievement Award as a result of his unwavering dedication and commitment to the long term and post-acute care profession. In addition to his experience working in and operating long term care communities as well as a former elected official, his leadership has helped AHCA/NCAL remain the largest association in long term care and enjoy record membership throughout his tenure. Furthermore, he was instrumental in steering the long term care profession through post-pandemic recovery.
Clif is a 2024 McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award recipient. With a career spanning 34 years, he brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the profession. His journey reflects a deep commitment to seniors and the improvement of long term care. Clif's achievements include organizing over 150 facility tours with members of Congress, developing legislative champions against the unfunded staffing mandate, and advocating for common-sense policies to help address workforce challenges. As a beacon for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Clif advocates for increased representation within the industry. His tireless efforts include nurturing the next generation of DEI-focused health care leaders.
Mark and Clif's impact has also been demonstrated through the federal minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes proposed by CMS last year. Facing a potential one-size-fits-all staffing mandate during a historic labor crisis, Mark and Clif engaged policymakers and stakeholders and led a grassroots effort that resulted in over 18,000 unique comments to CMS expressing concerns about the negative ramifications.
Congratulations to Mark, Clif, and all this year's recipients!