Keynote Speakers
Sebastian Terry
Shocked by the death of a close friend in his mid-twenties, Sebastian experienced a moment in his life where he asked himself a simple question; ‘Am I happy?’. The answer was NO, and so he created a list of 100 things that he hoped would bring him closer to a sense of happiness, if not purpose, in life. Abandoning the familiar, Seb has dedicated the past 16 years to pursuing and achieving his most audacious goals, not only transforming his own life, but along the way creating a ripple effect of positive change in others, too.
From Marrying a Stranger in Vegas (Goal #2) and Delivering a Baby (#23), to Living on a Deserted Island for 1 week (#63) and Helping a Stranger (#26) by aiding a quadriplegic man to complete a half marathon by pushing him in his wheelchair, Seb’s story has been turned into a bestselling book, his own reality show and a powerful keynote which has seen him speak in all seven continents. Recognized for his unique approach in combining brilliant humor, piercing insight and real-time action, Seb’s compelling storytelling and interactive teaching style has inspired millions of individuals around the world to take action on their biggest personal and professional goals, linking passion and purpose with limitless imagination.
Speaking Events
Monday, July 27
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Clif Porter
Clifton (Clif) Porter II is the President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing over 14,000 long-term care providers. With more than 35 years of experience in the field, he played a key role in securing critical resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Porter began his career in 1989 as an administrator-in-training and later held senior roles at skilled nursing centers and HCR ManorCare. He has earned numerous awards, including the Industry Ally Award from McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and recognition on The Hill’s Top 100 Lobbyists list. Porter holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and co-founded the Porter Legacy Scholarship to support students in the College of Health Professions.
Speaking Events
Tuesday, July 28
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
LaShuan 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 from Genesis Healthcare, Inc. where she served in various leadership roles from 2007 – 2021. Bethea, a registered nurse and attorney, has a depth of long term care experience. She began at Genesis HealthCare in February 2007 and quickly advanced to the director of regulatory and program development before being promoted in 2015 to vice president of legislative affairs. She assumed a dual role as vice president of reimbursement in 2020 and was appointed to chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in June 2020. 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.
Speaking Events
Tuesday, July 28
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Phil Scalo
Phil Scalo is the current Chairman of the American Healthcare Association (AHCA) having previously served as Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and Independent Owners Representative on the AHCA Board of Governors. He is the Founder and Chairman of Bartley Healthcare a senior care company located in Jackson, New Jersey that has merged with Preferred Care. Mr. Scalo led Bartley from its inception in 1984 to become one of the most highly awarded senior care companies in New Jersey (Awards include AHCA Quality Awards, NJDOH Best Practice Awards, ALFA Best of the Best, US News and World Report; American Best Nursing Homes, 5-star ratings and various business of the year and performance awards and recognition).He is also the President and Chairman of Preferred Care Management, a provider of senior care services in New Jerey including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, hospice and home care services.
Speaking Events
Tuesday, July 28
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Legislative Panelists
FHCA CEO & Government Affairs Team: FHCA Chief Executive Officer Emmett Reed, Lead Lobbyist Toby Philpot, Senior Director of Policy and Reimbursement Tom Parker are the lead advocates for Florida Health Care Association who lobby for the long term care priorities that will make a positive impact on resident quality care and facility operations.
Speaking Events
Tuesday, July 28
3:30 to 4:45 p.m.
Shevaun Harris
Shevaun Harris was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as the Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) in February 2025. Previously, Secretary Harris worked at the Agency from 2005-2021 where she focused on the administration of the Florida Medicaid program, implementing sound policy and quality improvement efforts for millions of Floridians, and serving as lead negotiator for the multi-billion dollar procurement of the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program. Prior to returning to the Agency in 2025, she served more than four years as the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Through implementation of key initiatives that promote prevention and resiliency, Florida experienced a decrease in opioid and suicide deaths; improvements in child welfare prevention efforts resulting in fewer youth in foster care and increases in adoptions; and expanded service options for those contending with substance use and mental health disorders. Secretary Harris is a champion for children and families, and her leadership is marked by a belief in accountability-driven systems, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.
Speaking Events
Kimberly Smoak
Kim Smoak has been with the Agency for Health Care Administration since August 1995. She is the Deputy Secretary of the Division of Health Quality Assurance. The Division licenses and/or certifies and regulates 40 different providers, including, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Ms. Smoak is also the State Survey Agency Director for the State of Florida. She holds a Master of Science in Health with the program emphasis in Aging Studies and is also a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). In 2009 and 2017, she received Survey & Certification Achievement Awards, presented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for her work in Survey and Certification.
Speaking Events
Anthony Robles
Anthony Robles, the subject of a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome, shares his extraordinary journey from being born with one leg to becoming a three-time NCAA wrestling champion and National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee. Known for his positivity, determination, and belief in limitless potential, Anthony inspires audiences with strategies that fueled his against-all-odds success. A recipient of the ESPY “Jimmy V Perseverance Award” and the NFL’s “Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award,” Anthony is a Nike athlete—the first ever signed after retirement from competition. He currently serves as ESPN’s NCAA wrestling analyst and the wrestling analyst for the Pac-12 Network. His acclaimed memoir Unstoppable was adapted into a feature film produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s company with Amazon MGM Studios. Premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, it was praised by Variety as “nothing short of extraordinary.”
Speaking Events
Wednesday, July 29
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.