WTWH Healthcare, a part of WTWH Media, is proud to announce the Future Leader in Healthcare Class of 2024. This prestigious awards program celebrates young professionals—under the age of 40—who are leading the charge in reshaping the aging and healthcare industries. These dynamic individuals are defining the future of healthcare, especially within behavioral health, complex rehab technology, home medical equipment, hospice and palliative care, senior housing, skilled nursing, and home care sectors. Their work is laying the foundation for what the future of care will look like, creating lasting change that will improve the lives of millions.
What is the Future Leader in Healthcare Awards Program?
The Future Leader in Healthcare awards program is dedicated to honoring those who are making meaningful strides in their industries and improving the care continuum. These honorees are not only excelling in their careers but are also demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to bettering the lives of those they care for. Recognized leaders across various sectors—such as home health, senior living, hospice, and behavioral health—are working to improve patient experiences, support caregivers, and ultimately drive better health outcomes. The Future Leader in Healthcare program highlights these individuals who have shown they are making a tangible impact in the healthcare and aging sectors.
Tim Mullaney, VP and Editorial Director of WTWH Healthcare, shared his thoughts on this year’s honorees: “The Future Leader in Healthcare Class of 2024 is committed to bettering the lives of those they care for. Each of these award winners is making an impact across their respective industries with the goals of improving the patient experience, supporting caregivers, and boosting overall health outcomes.”
The Future Leader in Healthcare awards program highlights the individuals who are creating significant change across the entire care continuum—from senior housing and hospice care to behavioral health and home-based healthcare. These emerging leaders are shaping the way we think about aging, care, and healthcare in the future.
Exclusive Sponsorships Driving Innovation
The Future Leader in Healthcare Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of key sponsors in the healthcare industry:
- PointClickCare: This leading healthcare technology platform is the exclusive sponsor for the 2024 senior housing and skilled nursing awards. PointClickCare is known for enabling meaningful collaboration and offering real-time insights at any stage of a patient’s healthcare journey. James Yersh, FCPA, FCA, Chief Revenue Officer of Senior Care for PointClickCare, shared his excitement about recognizing the next generation of senior care leaders: “It’s incredibly inspiring to recognize the emerging leaders who are driving innovation and excellence in senior care. Your dedication to enhancing care practices and advancing technology to deliver better outcomes is not only shaping the future of senior care, but also making a significant impact on the quality of life for so many individuals. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition.”
- Homecare Homebase: As the exclusive sponsor for the 2024 home health, home care, hospice, and palliative care awards, Homecare Homebase is at the forefront of transforming home-based care. Scott Decker, CEO of Homecare Homebase, commented, “We are lucky to be part of an industry that plays a pivotal role in the lives of our country’s most vulnerable populations and are proud to have the opportunity to highlight the talented, driven, and compassionate leaders who are shaping the future of home-based care.”
Through these partnerships, the Future Leader in Healthcare Awards program is able to shine a spotlight on emerging talent in key areas of healthcare, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is empowered to continue pushing the envelope on innovation and excellence.
Meet the Future Leader in Healthcare of 2024
This year’s Future Leader in Healthcare Class of 2024 includes professionals from across the spectrum of healthcare and aging services. From those improving mental health support to those developing cutting-edge technology solutions, these honorees are setting the standard for leadership in their fields. Below are some of the outstanding honorees in each category:
Behavioral Health
The behavioral health sector is represented by a remarkable group of innovators, including Anay Patel, President & Chief Operating Officer at Quartet Health, and Katie Meyer, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Lighthouse Autism Center. These leaders are working to create new models of care that improve mental health services for individuals, families, and communities. Their work helps break down the stigma around behavioral health and makes vital services more accessible.
- Anay Patel – President & COO, Quartet Health
- Bonnie Anderson – Sr. Director, Learning & Development, firsthand
- Jeremy Behling – Chief Operating Officer, Embark Behavioral Health
Complex Rehab Technology
The complex rehab technology field is spearheaded by individuals like Tim Balz, Founder and CEO of Kalogon, who is making incredible strides in developing technologies that empower individuals with disabilities to live more independently and comfortably. This sector continues to grow, thanks to visionary leaders who are transforming the ways we think about rehabilitation and recovery.
- Tim Balz – Founder & CEO, Kalogon
Home Health & Home Care
The home health and home care sector continues to expand, with professionals like Alex Melugin, President of Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, and Brett Ringold, Vice President at A Long Term Companion, at the forefront. These leaders are ensuring that home-based healthcare remains a viable and effective option for those in need of care, especially those with chronic conditions or in need of hospice services.
- Alex Melugin – President, Phoenix Home Care and Hospice
- Ashley Gore – Market Leader, Help at Home
- Jon Erik Higginbotham – VP of Business Development and Clinical Analyst, Homecare Homebase
Hospice & Palliative Care
In the hospice and palliative care space, honorees such as Cachet Colvard, Strategic Partnerships at Guaranteed Health, and Deanna Bieniek, Director of Branch Support at St. Croix Hospice, are working to ensure that patients in their final stages of life receive compassionate, dignified care. These leaders are not only improving care practices but also advocating for policy changes that enhance the quality of end-of-life care.
- Cachet Colvard – Strategic Partnerships, Guaranteed Health
- Tej Dhillon – Founder & CEO, Seva Hospice
- Stephanie Skaggs – Product Lead, Medalogix
Senior Housing & Senior Living
In senior housing, honorees like André Bongiorno, Director of Community Relations at 305 West End Assisted Living, and Caitlin Rokavec, Connections Director at Juniper Communities, are rethinking the way we build and manage senior living communities. They are focused on creating environments that foster community, autonomy, and respect for older adults.
- André Bongiorno – Director of Community Relations, 305 West End Assisted Living
- Emily Alexander – VP of Customer Success, WelcomeHome Software
- William Ham – Vice President of Asset Management, CNL Healthcare Properties
Skilled Nursing
The skilled nursing sector is represented by leaders like Anne Markwardt, LNHA at Champion Care, and Ashley Jackson, Regional Vice President of Operations at Saber Healthcare Group LLC. These leaders are dedicated to improving patient care in skilled nursing facilities, focusing on operational excellence and quality of life for patients.
- Anne Markwardt – LNHA, Champion Care
- Jared Carr – Senior Vice President of Operations, Ignite Medical Resorts
- Katie Plendl – Executive Director, Health Dimensions Group
A Bright Future Ahead for the Future Leader in Healthcare
The Future Leader in Healthcare Class of 2024 represents the future of healthcare and aging services. These honorees are leading the charge in making healthcare more accessible, patient-centered, and innovative. As they continue to push boundaries and reimagine care, their impact will resonate for years to come, changing the landscape of aging and healthcare.
WTWH Healthcare is thrilled to recognize these outstanding individuals, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive effects of their work. This year’s Future Leader in Healthcare will be featured in upcoming WTWH Healthcare publications and will be invited to attend WTWH Healthcare’s in-person conferences this fall, where they will have the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue driving positive change.
Congratulations to all of the Future Leader in Healthcare Class of 2024 honorees! Your dedication and innovation are shaping the future of healthcare, and we are excited to see all the incredible things you will continue to achieve.
