NCAL Staff

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LaShuan Bethea
Executive Dire​ct​or
(202) 898-2827
Katherine Preede
Vice President of​ Operations
(202) 898-2843
 
​Jill Schewe
Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs
(202) 898-2848
Pamela Truscott
Director of Quality Improvement
(202) 898-6336
Nikki Rollheiser
Administrative Assistant
(202) 898-2845
 

Staff Biographies ​

LaShuan Bethea, NCAL Executive Director

LaShaun Bethea
LaShuan Bethea is the executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), the assisted living voice of the American Health Care Association (AHCA). Bethea joined NCAL in 2021 from Genesis Healthcare, Inc. where she served in various leadership roles since 2007. 

Bethea, a registered nurse and attorney, has over 25 years in the profession and a depth of long term care experience. In her NCAL role, she communicates the association vision and mission of "Improving Lives by Delivering Solutions for Quality Care," identifies potential risks and opportunities within the industry, and develops strategies to fortify the sector. 

Promoting a culture of transparency and collaboration, Bethea develops a strong relationship with association and industry stakeholders, legislators, regulators, and other relevant parties. A key part of her role is advocating for the interests of assisted living member facilities before federal officials, national consumer and health care associations, and the media. Additionally, she oversees the development of the association's assisted living public policy and quality agenda, serving as a respected voice for the provider community in the field of assisted living.

Bethea received her law degree from Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, PA. She earned a Master’s degree in Education from American Intercontinental University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix.

Katherine Preede, Vice President of Operations

As Vice President of Operations for NCAL, Preede ensures the efficient operation of NCAL, coordinating workflow, strategic planning and internal processes. In addition, Preede is responsible for membership growth, retention, and satisfaction. ​

Prior to joining NCAL in December 2012, Preede was on the Corporate Marketing & Communications team at Sunrise Senior Living where she managed marketing and communication initiatives. Previously, she served for more than four years as a public affairs manager for AHCA. In this role, she represented the association and its members with local, state and national media outlets as well as assisted state affiliate public relations professionals on numerous projects and special events. 

Preede also has worked for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and in Congressional offices on Capitol Hill. Preede is a graduate of American University’s School of Public Affairs with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government. ​

Jill Schewe, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs

Jill Schewe is the Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).  Jill works with assisted living provider members and State Affiliate staff to provide guidance and support to aid in their success, including topics related to licensing, policy and regulatory requirements, payment, and operational systems.  Jill also works with state and federal stakeholders to assure assisted living providers needs and concerns are represented.  

Prior to joining NCAL in June of 2022, Jill spent 10 years with Care Providers of Minnesota, the AHCA/NCAL state affiliate, working directly with assisted living members and state agencies providing resources and support.  Jill also has many years of operational experience as a provider where she opened and managed several assisted living communities.

Jill is a licensed assisted living director who understands the needs of providers, older adults and home and community-based services alike.  She has a master's degree in management from the St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and a bachelor's degree in sociology and gerontology from Winona State University.  

Pamela Truscott, Director of Quality Improvement

Pam Truscott-3015-Edit Low Res.jpgPamela Truscott serves as the Director of Quality Improvement with the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).  She joined the NCAL family in October 2022 and prior to that she was working with the American Health Care Association (AHCA) family beginning in June 2019. Pam has been actively involved with a variety of educations, tools and resources.

Pam has over 25 years of long-term care experience and shares a passion for growing education and cultivating new leaders in long-term care.  She received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus on Healthcare Systems Leadership in August 2022 from Chamberlain University and a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus in nursing education from Chamberlain College of Nursing in 2014.  Pam is a Registered Nurse and is certified in multiple areas including Director of Nursing Services Certified, QAPI Certified Professional, Resident Assessment Coordinator Certified, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and holds a Nebraska Assisted Living Administrator license.

Pam is an active member of the American Nurses Association, American Assisted Living Nurses Association, American Association of Post-Acute Care Nurses, American Mindfulness Research Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Nikki Rollheiser, Administrative Assistant

Nikki Rollheiser-2994-Edit Low Res.jpgNikki is the NCAL Administrative Assistant and plays a large role in the operations and organization of the association. Nikki has excellent customer service experience, organization skills and content management expertise.

Nikki previously worked for the American Farm Bureau Association and has experience in many areas of association management. Nikki is also a former third and fourth grade teacher and a native of Tennessee.