Keynote Speakers
Brett Culp
Brett Culp inspires us to engage in a passionate, meaningful mission that leaves a positive impact on the world and brings out the heroic spirit in us all. Brett is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of the not-for-profit, The Rising Heroes Project. He is known for the films, Legends of the Knight, and his latest, Look to the Sky, both of which explore the power of heroic stories and heroic individuals inspire us to believe in a better tomorrow. Brett's newest film, A Voice That Carries, follows the relationships between fathers and daughters, premiered in early June 2021.His films are featured on Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, and other top digital platforms. Through his groundbreaking non-profit documentary work, Brett has pioneered the art of creating “mini-movements” that inspire the super-human spirit in us all. His unique approach to community-building and relationship-driven engagement invite people to connect with a noble vision and make a difference together. Passionate, energetic, and engaging, Brett encourages audiences to find the superhero within and their own path to “everyday leadership.” His insights on connecting individuals to an organization's mission and goals resonate, help us realize our greatest personal and business potential, and renew our collective sense of hope for the future and belief that our efforts can make an impact.
Speaking Events
Governor Mark Parkinson
The Honorable Mark Parkinson is the president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, which represents more than 12,000 for- and not- for-profit nursing homes, assisted living residences, and centers for the care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before leading AHCA/NCAL, the native Kansan was a successful businessman, state legislator, and most recently served as the 45th Governor of the State of Kansas. In 1996, Parkinson focused on a new passion—helping to enhance seniors’ quality of life by providing first-class, elder care centers. His experience as founder and CEO of centers offering skilled nursing care, assisted living, and dementia-related care has given Parkinson a perspective that spans the continuum of care.
Speaking Events
Tuesday, July 25
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 25
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
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
Desmond Howard
Desmond Howard is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for 11 seasons. Howard also played college football at the University of Michigan, where he won the Heisman Trophy in his senior year. During his college career, Howard set or tied five NCAA and 12 Wolverine records. He also led the Big Ten Conference in scoring with 138 points during the 1991 season on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award, earning first-team All-American honors. Howard captured 85% of the first-place votes in balloting for the Heisman, the largest margin in history at that time. In 1992, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and was selected in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft. While with the Green Bay Packers, Howard was voted the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots and is the first and currently the only special teams player to win the award. He is also one of only four players to win both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP. After his NFL playing career, Howard joined ESPN in 2005 as a member of the popular College GameDay crew. You can watch Howard on set during college football season as he visits some of the best week-in and week-out college football games throughout the country. After the college football regular season, Howard can be seen covering the major bowl games.
Speaking Events
Wednesday, July 26
12:00 to 2:00 p.m.