Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board. It is an honor to be chosen, but more importantly, I take this responsibility very seriously and vow to our members to work hard to represent all facilities equally and fairly. I will work strategically along with your board representatives to use our collective skills to accomplish the goals ahead and to overcome the challenges this Association faces in the coming year. It is a privilege to be a part of this year’s board, which I consider to be the most accomplished and capable group of professionals in the state of Georgia.
 

It is no secret our industry is facing some of the biggest obstacles to our business that we have faced in a long time. The economic downturn has affected us all, the proposed healthcare reforms will tax already tight resources, and healthcare professionals at all levels will be stretched to their breaking points. We must overcome. We will overcome. To do that, everyone in this business has to do their part to the best of their abilities. We must serve our residents and their families with love, understanding, and care at the highest levels possible. We must remember “why we do what we do” each and every day and channel this energy into the efforts we make to give purpose to our daily responsibilities.

It is the Association’s responsibility to represent our industry, at all levels, with energy, enthusiasm and professionalism. We are blessed with the capable leadership of Jon Howell and an equally talented association staff who work hard on a daily basis to represent us to our public. I am proud to now be a more involved part of that process as the new Chairman of the Board. We have a lot of things to accomplish this year and we have a lot of historic challenges before us, but with your help and support, I know good things are going to happen for all of us.

Please do not hesitate to call on me if you have questions or suggestions. We must work together so this Association can accomplish all of the things it must do. Thanks again for allowing me to serve in this very important role. To quote Jim Gilliam, our last Board Chair, “as a united association, we will continue to achieve outstanding results”. Our residents, staff and the families they represent deserve the very best we have to offer.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Todd
Chairman of the Board