Kathleen Collins Pagels, Executive Director

Kathleen was named Executive Director of the Arizona Health Care Association (AHCA) in April of 2002. AHCA is the state’s largest association of licensed long term health care facilities, assisted living centers and allied health care related businesses and organizations. Previously, Kathleen was Director of Public Policy for the Arizona Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and has spent much of the last 25 years in a professional capacity serving the aging network. She has worked in the arenas of administration, program management and development, lobbying and advocacy. Kathleen has been a long term care consultant, college instructor, featured presenter and is a member of several local boards and committees. As Executive Director, Kathleen provides leadership for and administration of the association, lobbies and advocates on behalf of the long term care industry on a state and national level, develops and provides a wide range of member services, actively participates in coalitions and task forces promoting public awareness of long term care, as well as coordinating the state affiliate responsibilities for the national American Health Care Association.

Sylvia Balistreri, Director of Quality and Regulatory Services

Sylvia joined the Arizona Health Care Association as the Director of Quality and Regulatory Services in April, 2010, and brings more than 26 years of experience in the long term care profession, including work in both the private and public sectors. Sylvia has held numerous positions in long term care facilities in Wisconsin and Arizona including Dementia Program Manager, Director of Medicare Management and Quality Assurance, Staff Development Coordinator, and Director of Nursing. She has also provided extensive consulting services to facilities throughout 15 states. Most recently, she has worked for more than eight years at the Arizona State Department of Health Services where she served as a surveyor, trainer, State RAI Coordinator, and the Program Manager of Long Term Care Licensing. In all of her positions, Sylvia has been a prolific educator, presenting an extensive range of trainings in Arizona and other states.

Linda Doescher, Director of Finance & Operations

Linda has been with the Arizona Health Care Association since August of 2001. Previous to AHCA, Linda was employed by Dornier Medical Systems for 13 years. During her tenure at Dornier, she worked in Sales Administration, Shipping & Receiving, Inventory Control, Service Administration, and finally as their Inventory & Production Control Manager. As Office & Programs Manger, Linda manages the day to day functions of the AHCA office, coordinates program activity in the areas of membership and information management, acts as the primary assistant to the Executive Director, and is responsible for administration and development of AHCA’s website.

Brittany Carter, Director of Education and Program Development

Brittany is the newest team member of the Arizona Health Care Association beginning her employment in August 2010. Previously, she worked at the Art Institute as an admissions counselor, mentoring students through the beginning of their education. As an intern at the United Nations in New York City, she planned education workshops for nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and served on several sub-committees to plan the annual NGO conference. Brittany earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Brigham Young University – Idaho. As AHCA’s Program Coordinator, Brittany’s role focuses on education, conference planning, and providing support and member services.