WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) announced today three quality improvement leaders have been elected as new members of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Board, and Cathy Bergland, principal at CB Leadership Group, as Board Chair, for three-year terms effective January 2023.
“We are fortunate to have these incredible leaders provide their time and expertise to the Quality Award program,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “The work that they are committed to is instrumental in advancing high quality care. We are grateful for their service to improve the lives of the individuals who live and work in long term care.”
Heather Herlyn, MS, RN, CPHQ, Director of Quality and Safety at the Good Samaritan Society based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was elected to serve as a member of the Quality Award Board through 2026. Herylyn began her career as a nurse at Sanford Health in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). Since that time, she has held positions in clinical and operational leadership roles in the public and private sector.
Megan Corcoran, NHA, QCP, Regional Director of Operations at Health Dimensions Group, was elected to serve as a member of the Quality Award Board through 2026. Corcoran is certified in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) and is a licensed nursing home administrator in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She was selected as a 2022 Future Leader by Skilled Nursing News. Corcoran also serves as a Silver Examiner for the Quality Award Program.
Paul Grizzell, President of Core Value Partners, was elected to serve as a member of the Quality Award Board through 2026. Based in Woodbury, Minneapolis, Grizzell brings more than 20 years of experience as a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiner and other global performance excellence programs. He has served as a Quality Award Judge since 2013 and is an Examiner Trainer and a Judge.
Cathy Bergland, MBA, LNHA, Principal CB Leadership Group, was elected to serve as Quality Award Board Chair. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bergland has held various roles in long term care since 1986. She has been a part of the Quality Award program since 2012 as an Examiner, Examiner Trainer, and Judge.
The National Quality Award program uses the Baldrige Performance Framework to help long term care organizations improve outcomes through a focus on system-wide performance excellence. By working through three progressive levels, providers meet rigorous program standards to become the best in long term care. The Quality Award Board provides integral oversight and strategic development of the program.
The AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program is sponsored by Pinnacle, PharMerica and HealthCap.