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Session 36 | Lessons Learned from Hurricane Ian
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
In this session, attendees will hear first-hand testimonies from administrators directly impacted by Hurricane Ian. Presenters will offer insight into safe and effective evacuation, competent and prepared receival of evacuees and capable management of the complications that arise during the recovery period. Presenters will walk attendees through these vital questions: what are the key factors in making the decision to evacuate, who needs to know what and when, what happens when a well-developed and viable disaster plan fails, and lastly, how can we build back stronger in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Panelists will be interviewed for additional insight about their experiences.
Presenters
Tracy Greene
Chief Operating Officer | RB Health Partners, Inc.
About the Presenter
Tracy Greene began her career in healthcare as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at an inpatient psychiatric hospital in the Florida panhandle. She then moved to the Florida Keys and worked in long term care as a Social Services and Admission Director, eventually moving into an Assistant Administrator role. She became a Nursing Home Administrator in 2000 and was also the company’s internal Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. In this role, she worked collectively with the CEO, COO, and the County to streamline disaster plans for three nursing homes. This included obtaining CDL Class B licenses for several employees and managing the use of school buses. After five years in the Keys, Tracy moved to Tampa and worked for Southern Health Care Management (SHCM) as an Administrator, a Senior Administrator, and a Vice President of Operations. She worked for SHCM for a total of 13 years, and she was also a Regional Vice President for Life Care Centers of America. In addition, Tracy is an active member of the Florida Health Care Association and has been on FHCA’s Emergency Preparedness Committee since 2005, serving as the Vice Chair and most recently the Chair.
Kimberly Biegasiewicz
President/CEO | Avante Group, Inc.
About the Presenter
Kimberly Biegasiewicz received her Bachelors of Arts in 2008 majoring in History with a minor in political science. In 2013, Kimberly began her career in long term care as a floor nurse and quickly moved up the ranks holding positions such as 3-11 supervisor, assistant director of nursing, director of nursing and regional director of clinical services. In December of 2018, Kimberly was presented with the opportunity to lead the clinical team of the Avante Group as the Chief Nursing Officer all while continuing her education and graduating with her Masters in Health Care Administration. In 2021, Kimberly was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer for the organization. She is actively involved in FHCA on various committees including the Senior Clinicians Council, Publication Relations Committee, FCAL and the Survey and Regulatory Committee.
Joseph Jincha
Executive Director | Life Care Centers of Orlando
About the Presenter
Joseph Jicha has been the Executive Director at Life Care Center of Orlando for the past four years. He is a graduate from Bowling Green State University and his skilled nursing facility experience spans 33 years. He was initially licensed in 1990 in the state of Ohio. He has managed 12 facilities in his career throughout Ohio and Florida.