Bijou Ikli named new CEO by Florida Assisted Living Association

The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Ms. Bijou Ikli, a veteran executive in the Florida healthcare and senior living field.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA) has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Ms. Bijou Ikli, a veteran executive in the Florida healthcare and senior living field. Ms. Ikli succeeds Veronica Catoe, FALA's CEO from 2019-2023, who moved on to become Executive Director at Medicaid Management Services, Inc., and interim FALA CEO Shad Haston, who preceded Ms. Catoe as FALA CEO and stepped in to serve as Interim CEO with Ms. Catoe's departure until the hiring of Ms. Ikli.

Ms. Ikli has a long history of senior executive roles in the Florida healthcare and senior living arena. Her previous career positions in the field have included Director of Facility Relations and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kindred At Home; Vice President of Strategic Development at Absolute Elder Care; Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at LHC Group; and most recently, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Growing Bolder, a Florida-based national multimedia platform dedicated to enhancing senior lifestyles.

In addition, Ms. Ikli has previously served FALA through various elected roles including Pinellas County Chapter Secretary, statewide Board Member, and finally statewide Membership Committee Chair.

"We are delighted and so very enthused to have Ms. Ikli take the lead in our next phase of building upon what we at FALA have already accomplished," said Donna Damiani of Heather Haven in Largo, FL, Chair of the FALA Executive Committee, which includes Monique Spruill of SenCare Management (Clearwater, FL), Terri Osteen of Grand Living at Citrus Hills (Hernando, FL), Shelia Mobley of Living Southern Style of Brevard (Rockledge, FL), and Luis Collazo of Palm Breeze ALF (Hialeah, FL), and FALA's Past Chairman's Council members including Larry Sherberg of Lincoln Manor (Hollywood, FL) and Jamie Glavich of Almost Home Senior Services, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL).

Ms. Ikli earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of South Florida (USF), and a Master's degree in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University. She also has received extensive training under the guidance of renowned professional, Alberta Granger, and holds certification as an Assisted Living Administrator from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

"We're looking forward to accelerating our efforts to further develop our organization, grow our membership, strengthen our partnerships, and build new relationships," Ms. Damiani added, "as we continue moving forward in our mission to ensure that Floridians have the best choices and quality services in assisted care communities so that they may live and age with dignity".

With Ms. Ikli's extensive experience in communications-driven business development, strategic planning, and leadership in the fields of finance, post-acute care, palliative care, primary care, and media, she brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relationships to leading FALA into the future. With a passionate commitment to effecting positive change to promote the best quality of life for our aging population, Ms. Ikli in her various executive roles has collaborated with many assisted living providers, skilled nursing providers, physician groups, hospitals, health systems, and value-based care entities.

About FALA (Florida Assisted Living Association)

The Florida Assisted Living Association is the oldest assisted living association in the state. It has been providing advocacy, education, and regulatory support for its members for 30 years. Today, FALA is the largest state association representing nearly 500 assisted living facilities and adult family care homes and over 250 associate members who provide products and services to assisted living providers and residents. For more information, please visit fala.org.

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With Ms. Ikli's extensive experience in communications-driven business development, strategic planning, and leadership in the fields of finance, post-acute care, primary care, and media, she brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relationships to leading FALA into the future.

Media Contact

Michael Winn, Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA), 1 850-386-9100, mwinn@rboa.com, https://www.fala.org/

SOURCE Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA)