Nebraska Physician Selected for National Future Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Leader Program

July 9, 2025
Contact: Lindsay Kant, Director of Membership

Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) announced that Dr. Anthony Hatcher, D.O, FAAFP, of Hillcrest Health and Living has been chosen by American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a member of the 2025-2026 Future Leaders program. Selected participants demonstrate leadership qualities and represent the interests of the long-term care and post-acute care profession. Dr. Hatcher will join 39 other leaders for AHCA/NCAL’s 20th Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance for industry professionals. 

“I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to our new class of Future Leaders,” said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Their dedication, innovation, and compassion represent the very best of long-term care. I look forward to seeing how they will shape the future of our profession and advocate for those they serve.”

“We’re proud to support the next generation of leaders in assisted living,” said LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director of NCAL. “Each of these individuals has shown remarkable dedication to delivering high-quality care and improving the lives of those they serve. The Future Leaders program will help them build on that foundation and equip them to lead our profession into a brighter future.”

“It is an honor to have Dr. Hatcher represent our state in this national program,” said Jalene Carpenter, NHCA President and CEO. “With an accomplished career, Dr. Hatcher is already a trusted leader and innovator in our field. His participation reflects a deep commitment to continuous growth and to driving progress in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”

As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Hillcrest Health and Living, Dr. Hatcher leads a comprehensive health system that provides care to more than 2,000 aging adults each day across 12 counties in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. 

Nebraska’s participation in the AHCA-NCAL Future Leaders Program is supported by generous gifts to the Nebraska Health Care Foundation from Marty and Glenn Van Ekeren and Vetter Senior Living.

AHCA/NCAL developed the Future Leaders program in 2004. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership. The year-long program kicks off with the “Future Leaders of Long-Term Care in America” Symposium held every September in Washington, D.C. 

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,500 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, visit www.ahcancal.org.

Nebraska Health Care Association is the parent to Nebraska Nursing Facility Association (NNFA) and Nebraska Assisted Living Association (NALA), as well as Nebraska Health Care Learning Center and Nebraska Health Care Foundation. NNFA and NALA collectively represent approximately 400 nonprofit and proprietary nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Nebraska.