Avalon Senior Officers
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Mr. Charles R. Kirton co-founded Avalon Health Care, Inc. in 1989. He serves as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Avalon Health Care, Inc. and is the majority
shareholder. He drives the company’s risk analysis and strategic planning. With
more than 30 years of experience, his vision and expertise successfully balances
the care and corporate responsibilities of this rapidly growing company. He
understands the necessity of individualized, community driven care, and is
committed to containing regional growth in order to provide the best practice
standard of care in the industry. Mr. Kirton has grown Avalon Health Care Group to
over 6,000 employees at 79 locations which includes 39 Skilled Nursing facilities in
5 different states, a therapy company, and hospice in 8 states. Over the last 30
years, he has also joint ventured with institutional pharmacies and home health companies, giving the
company capability and expertise in serving the continuum of care.
He has studied China’s need for senior care which is an outgrowth of China’s one-child rule. Over
the last ten years, he has met with and counseled Chinese government and private entrepreneurs
regarding best international practice for the post-acute continuum of care and how it might be
adjusted to the Chinese culture.
Mr. Kirton began his career in health care services in 1981 when he identified the need for improved
care facilities in his own community. He co-founded Avalon Health Care’s predecessor company, a
nursing home and home health agency, serving as its President and Chief Executive Officer. In
1988, he expanded the company’s scope of services and facilities, growing into the present
company, Avalon Health Care, Inc.
Prior to his involvement in post-acute health care, Mr. Kirton served as President of The Kirton
Company, a real estate development company. He was responsible for the development of more
than a thousand residential building lots and more than twenty different developments.
In addition to Chairman of the Avalon Board of Directors, Mr. Kirton has been a member of the State
of Utah’s Community Services Planning Committee, the Gerontology Center Planning Project, and
served on the Utah Governor’s Task Force on Long-Term Care.
Mr. Kirton has a Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy from University of Utah. He is married with six children
and 19 grandchildren.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
Mr. David R. Devereaux serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation at Avalon Health Care, Inc., and is a Board
Director of Avalon Health Care, Inc. since 2016. Mr. Devereaux has more than 30
years’ experience in the health care industry, starting as a housekeeper while in
high school where he discovered not only his life’s work, but passion and mission.
Prior to coming to Avalon, Mr. Devereaux was Executive Vice President at
Telemedicine Solutions LLC. He previously served Beverly Healthcare as Chief
Operating Officer of Nursing Facilities and President of Beverly Health
Rehabilitation Services over approximately 450 nursing facilities. He was Executive Vice President
of Beverly Healthcare and Golden Living Centers since July 2001. His work with Beverly Enterprises
began in 1998 when he served as Senior Vice President of Operations for the Specialty Services
Division of Nursing Facilities. He also headed up business development at TLContact, maker of
CarePages. His other executive positions include District Vice President of Manor Care Health
Services from 1996 to 1998, and Regional Vice President of Operations for Vencor, Inc. in 1996. He
joined the Hillhaven Corporation as a Nursing Home Administrator in 1988 and rose to the rank of
Regional Vice President of Operations before Hillhaven’s merger with Vencor in 1995. Mr.
Devereaux began his career in skilled nursing in 1978 as a housekeeper. Mr. Devereaux’s
management skills and services are highly sought after by post-acute companies. Avalon Health
Services considers itself fortunate to have his services. He is considered by the industry to be in the
top 1% of managers in the country to face current industry challenges.
He was a Board Director of Building Engines, Inc. and currently serves as a member of the Board at
Telemedicine Solutions LLC. He has received various awards for philanthropy throughout his career,
and endowed the David R. Devereaux Chair for the School of Nursing at Temple University.
Mr. Devereaux earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University
in 1984 and an M.B.A. degree with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Temple
University in Philadelphia in 1986.
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Anne H. Stuart was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer at Avalon Health Care Group in 2016 after serving as its Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer since 2013. Ms. Stuart has held a variety of
executive positions with health care and senior living industry companies over the
last 20 years.
Ms. Stuart has supported several health care companies and private equity
clients, providing financial expertise in deal structuring, financial projections,
financial and accounting processes, development and acquisition analyses, and
general corporate finance policies and practices. Prior to her consulting practice, she served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Care One, LLC, a privately held company
with a large portfolio of sub-acute, rehabilitative and skilled nursing facilities in fifteen states. She
served as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at Sunrise Senior Living, Inc. which at
that time was a publicly traded company with over 400 senior living communities in North America
and the United Kingdom. She served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Broadwing
Corporation, since January 1999 and served as its Senior Vice President, since June 2000. From
1986 to January 1999, Ms. Stuart served in a variety of accounting, finance and treasury positions
with Marriott International, Inc. and as Vice President of Finance in the Senior Living Services
division from March 1996 through January 1999. From 1995 to 1996, Ms. Stuart served as Senior
Director of Corporate Finance and Corporate Treasurer for the Forum Group, Inc., an operating and
real estate holding company. Ms. Stuart served as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for
Corvis Corporation, a high-tech, publicly-traded telecommunication company, until its sale to a
successor company in 2000. Ms. Stuart was instrumental in taking the Corvis Corporation public in
2000 with a IPO offering totaling $1.25B.
Ms. Stuart actively serves on a number of local organizations dedicated to economic development,
new business enterprises, and the arts. She is a Director of the Board of Avalon Health Care Group.
Ms. Stuart earned an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.S. in
mathematics and applied statistics from Brigham Young University.
Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel
Scott Carpenter serves as the Chief Legal Counsel and Senior Vice President at
Avalon Health Care. Prior to joining Avalon, Mr. Carpenter served as Vice
President and Managing Legal Counsel in the Corporate Counsel Office of Zions
Bancorporation, a United States bank holding company with over $55 Billion in
assets and banking and financial operations throughout the Western United
States. Mr. Carpenter’s practice at Zions focused on corporate planning, federal
and state securities and banking law matters, technology acquisition and licensing,
derivatives and swap arrangements and strategic vendor relationships.
Before joining Zions, Mr. Carpenter was a partner in the Salt Lake City, Utah,
office of Holme Roberts & Owen, LLP, an international law firm with offices throughout the Western
United States, England, Ireland and Germany. Mr. Carpenter was a member of HRO’s commercial
law and securities practice groups and his practice focused on corporate planning and financings,
federal and state securities law matters, and joint venture matters. Mr. Carpenter also represented a
number of clients in cross-border corporate mergers and acquisitions, liquidations and
recapitalizations, and complex technology licensing relationships, particularly in the biotechnology,
medical device, telecommunications and other high technology industries. Prior to joining HRO, Mr.
Carpenter was a shareholder for ten years with the law firm of Parsons Behle & Latimer, a Salt Lake
City-based regional law firm.
Mr. Carpenter received his B.S. from the University of Utah in 1982 and his J.D. from the University
of Utah in 1984. While in law school, Mr. Carpenter was a member of the Utah Law Review, and
served as Executive Editor during 1983 and 1984. Mr. Carpenter was a member of the committees
that revised Utah’s Business Corporation Laws and Limited Partnership Laws, and is a Martindale
Hubbell ‘AV’ Peer Review Rated Lawyer.
Senior Vice-President & Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Sabine von Preyss-Friedman was appointed as Avalon’s Chief Medical
Officer in 2011. She brings decades of innovation and national accolades
combined with quality driven leadership and a passion for seniors.
This passion most recently landed her the title of the American Medical Director’s
Association’s Medical Director of the Year in 2011 after being named a finalist for
the same award for three consecutive years. She was also recently named “Top
Doctor for Women – Geriatric Medicine” by Seattle Magazine.
In addition to working as CMO and Medical Director for several long-term care facilities, Dr. von
Preyss-Friedman acts as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington –
within the specialized area of Geriatric Medicine and Long-Term Care. She has shared her
knowledge and clinical expertise in presentations around the globe and is published in medical
journals.
The native of Germany’s many clinical accomplishments include: establishing systems and
processes to reduce and track falls, maximizing effective pain management, reducing antipsychotic
medication use, and improving wound care and infection control. She has introduced an array of
continuous quality improvement programs to educate staff and track and identify care trends.
A graduate of the Technische Universitaet Muenchen in Germany, Dr. von Preyss-Friedman
completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Akron General Medical Center in Akron, OH. She then
pursued a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Washington. Her work has been
internationally recognized with the award of research grants for studies done in Washington and
Germany.
She is a chair and member of several medical organizations, boards and committees, each of which
is focused on improving quality care in Geriatrics. Avalon Health Care welcomes the distinguished
Dr. von Preyss-Friedman to their leadership team.
President & CEO, Brighton Rehabilitation
Billie joins Brighton with more than 16 years’ experience in establishing, launching
and directing efficient and effective healthcare operations. She has a strong track
record of building profitable, sustainable, and scalable operations for both public
and private entities resulting in maximizing resource utilization. She has a
reputation of bringing organizational mission, vision, and values to life while
implementing strong operational processes, procedures, and controls.
For the last six years, Billie served as Chief Operating Officer for EnduraCare
Acute Care Service – a provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and
speech pathology program services for acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics,
and physician practices. Billie directed all rehab operations in more than 50 locations including
skilled nursing facilities, acute care hospitals, inpatient acute rehab facilities, outpatient clinics and
home health venues.
She led more than 900 field staff around the country, plus two levels of management including a
leadership team of eight direct reports while managing a $60M annual operating budget. Prior to
assuming the COO role, Billie served as Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President and
Regional Vice President for the organization. She also held the position of Regional Director of
Operations for SunDance Rehabilitation from 1995-2000.
An impressive educational background equally compliments Billie’s strong business and professional
experience. She earned a Master of Science in Communication Disorders along with a Bachelor of
Health Science in Communication Disorders and a Bachelor of Science in Education and Biology, all
from Western Kentucky University. Billie is a licensed Speech Pathologist and a member of the
American Speech – Hearing Association.
President & CEO, Bristol Hospice
Mr. Charles H. Gonzales serves on the Board of Directors of Avalon Health Care
Inc. Mr. Gonzales is President and CEO of Bristol Hospice, L.L.C., assuming this
role in July, 2016. He was previously a member of the Bristol Hospice Board of
Managers. Mr. Gonzales comes with over 34 years of experience in the health
care industry with an emphasis on long-term care, assisted living, and ancillary
service company development and operation. He has served in a wide variety of
executive positions for both private and public companies. Mr. Gonzales is an
expert on reimbursement systems in the health care field and has developed an
extensive network with key leaders in long-term care, including leading experts in
finance and public policy. As a Certified Public Accountant, he brings a unique
understanding of the complex financial and regulatory health care environment.
From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Gonzales was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Peak
Medical Corporation, a long-term care company, which he co-founded, capitalized and grew to 7000
beds in seven states and a regional hospice company based in Oklahoma City.
Prior to that time Mr. Gonzales worked with Horizon/CMS Healthcare Corporation, first as Director of
Reimbursement, then Vice President of Government Programs, then as Vice President of
Acquisitions, and finally as its Senior Vice President Subsidiary Operations and member of the
Board of Directors. During this time, Mr. Gonzales pioneered the development and creation of
related businesses that worked in harmony with
Horizon. One of these was Rehab Works, the nation’s second largest contract therapy company,
which brought in revenues in excess of $400 million for Horizon. Another was LTC Medical
Laboratories. Additionally, Mr. Gonzales developed and served as CEO of a national institutional
pharmacy related to Horizon. During this time, Mr. Gonzales was integrally involved in the growth of
the company, either participating or taking the lead in every acquisition by Horizon over its elevenyear history.
Mr. Gonzales served as the National Reimbursement Director for The Hillhaven Corporation from
1984 to 1986. He managed Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for the Hillhaven Corporation as
well as the Certificate of Need licensing and certification programs for the company across fortyseven states in America.
In addition to working with private enterprises, Mr. Gonzales has contributed to public policy and
government programs. In 1982 he co-authored, legislatively lobbied for and passed a prospective
Medicaid reimbursement program for the state of New Mexico, which continues to be in effect. He
has been an active member of the American Healthcare Association, where he has served on
several committees, including the Payment for Services Committee, Financing Reform Task Force
and the Vision 2000 Think Tank. He has been sought out by state governments because of his
expertise and has consulted the states of New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming,
Colorado and Washington on Medicaid reforms.
Mr. Gonzales has been able to make positive impacts on health care policy and legislation by
bringing his energy and qualifications to the industry.
Vice President, Clinical Services
Michelle Marquez was promoted to the position Vice President Clinical Services
and Quality on December 14, 2015. Michelle started her career 24 years ago as a
CNA in post-acute care. Michelle ever since has remained passionately
committed to serving our patients and residents and in doing so has willingly taken
on increased responsibilities in nursing leadership. Most recently Michelle has
served as the Regional Nurse Consultant for 8 facilities in the MW Region –
Richfield, Nephi, American Fork, Avalon Southwest, Chandler, Shadow Mountain
and the 2 VA homes, Payson and Ivins. In May 2013 Michelle was assigned as
Director of Nursing for the Ivins VA Home. Michelle led the team to successfully
passing the VA Recognition Survey an accomplishment few new VA buildings can
boast. Prior to joining Avalon, Michelle spent 4 years with Kindred Healthcare as the Director of
Nursing and 2 years as the Assistant Director of Nursing and Wound Nurse for St. George Care and
Rehabilitation Center.
Michelle received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Galen Health Institute in San Antonio,
TX in 2006. She received her Registered Nurse degree from Mohave Community College in
Colorado City, AZ in 2009 and is currently pursuing a MSN degree in Leadership and Management
from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, UT. Michelle is wound care certified by the
Wound Care Education Institute.
Chief Compliance Officer
Donna Rooney joined the Avalon Health Care Group team in December of
2016 and currently serves as Chief Compliance Officer. Since 2001, Ms.
Rooney was a Senior Legal and Compliance Consultant with CFLCL,
representing healthcare providers in both legal, litigation, and compliance
issues, including several OIG, FBI and DOJ cases. Additionally, she has
served as Chief Compliance Officer and In-House Counsel for Choice Health
Care Management, where she implemented several start up programs,
including its inaugural Compliance and Ethics Program. In 2013, Ms. Rooney
served as the Vice President of Corporate Compliance, Chief Compliance
Officer for Mid-Atlantic Health Care (“MAHC”) up until the sale of the
company. While at MAHC, she built their formal Compliance Program from
the ground up, rolled out over 10 innovative compliance projects that
improved the accuracy of billing, wrote over 100 policies, decreased claim
error rates, and effectively mitigated compliance risks system wide.
Ms. Rooney is the recipient of numerous awards, including an AV Rating from Martindale Hubbell,
and she was selected in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Women Lawyers. She also earned a
nursing degree from Florida International University, a law degree from the University of Miami, and
has been certified as both a Professional Coder and a Health Care Compliance Professional.
Her legal background and extensive post-acute care experience has prepared her to continue to
develop Avalon Health Care Group as a leader in LTC Compliance and Ethics.
She enjoys playing tennis with her husband, Drew, and loves family time with their two children,
Sara and Joseph.
VP Operations Finance
Vince McGowen joined Avalon on August 29th, 2016. His experience in the
long-term care industry has proven instrumental to the company. Prior to
joining Avalon, Vince served as the Vice President of Government Relations
and Strategic Planning with American Senior Communities. Vince has also
served as the Regional Director of Operations/Director of Business
Development for Magnolia Health Systems, a Contract Lobbyist/Chairman of
the Board of Directors for the Hoosier Owners and Providers for the Elderly,
Consultant with the Americare Consulting Group, Regional Director of
Finance and Finance Manager with Beverly Enterprises, and Vice President
of Economic and Legislative Affairs with the Indiana Health Care
Association.
Vince holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Indiana University.
Chief Information Officer
Ken Knapton was appointed Chief Information Officer for Avalon Health Care
Group in 2013. He is an experienced IT leader with a strong background in
engineering and operations in large, global enterprises.
With over 20 years of high tech experience, Ken is an executive who is well
versed in the constant changes of technology. He was honored as the CTO of the
year by the Utah Technology Council in 2006. Ken has a proven track record of
motivating employees to achieve success and for improving quality and timeliness
of deliverables.
Mr. Knapton is a recognized leader in the field of digital safety, and is a sought-after public speaker
regarding the consumerization of technology and its effect on contemporary families. Ken holds
three U.S. patents for his work on enterprise security and anti-virus technology, and published his
unique architectural concepts regarding plug and play software in 1998. He is also the author of
“Cyber Safety: Maintaining Morality in a Digital World” published in August 2009 by Cedar Fort.
Ken holds a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems from Utah Valley
University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Brigham Young University.
Senior Vice President, Government & Community Relations
Faye Lincoln was named Senior Vice President of Government and Community
Relations for Avalon Health Care, Inc. in 2002. She joined Avalon in September of
2000 as the Director of Policy and Government Relations. She has a record of
successful legislative experience and effectively negotiates regulatory and policy
issues with Avalon’s care and service priorities.
Ms. Lincoln was Director of the University Hospital’s Home Care at the University
of Utah (1985-1995), and served as the Hospital’s Legislative Affairs Liaison
(1996-1998). She is a visionary leader who pioneered home care in the State of
Utah. By strategically working with government representatives and members of
the community, she helped gain the required funding for therapies and programs that make home
care possible.
Ms. Lincoln was the Executive Vice President of Bonneville Home Care Management Inc. from
1984-1985. She is a registered nurse with experience in Critical Care and General Surgery.
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Byron Kirton was appointed Senior Vice President of Human Resources for
Avalon Health Care, Inc. in February of 2017. Mr. Kirton served formerly as the
Vice President of HR, Director of HR, Employee Development and Talent
Acquisition for Avalon. Prior to that he created Avalon’s centralized recruitment
system that has saved as much as 3.5 million dollars year over year in labor and
advertising. Prior to joining Avalon Mr. Kirton operated an art marketing firm and
managed the business in all aspects outside of creating the art. This has given
him the ability to relate to all aspects of business and take a balanced approach.
Mr. Kirton earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Masters of Science in
Management Degree with a key focus on organizational behavior from the University of Utah David
Eccles School of Business.
Vice President, Risk Management & Privacy
Jon Teague was appointed Vice President of Risk Management and Privacy in
2012 and has been with Avalon Health Care for six years. He brings more than 35
years of experience in the risk management and loss prevention fields and brings
his proactive approach and strong work ethic to Avalon’s team.
Mr. Teague joined Avalon Heath Care in 2006 as a Risk Management and Privacy
Officer. He worked with senior management and operations as a subject matter
expert to identify and analyze challenges for Avalon, supporting and aligning
programs and solutions with Avalon’s core values. As a risk management
professional, Mr. Teague provided risk management, mitigation consultation,
avoidance and transfer strategies and programs. He acts as a direct liaison with local police,
professional boards, and family members—and when needed helps eliminate risk through
communication with family members, agencies and press.
Previous to joining Avalon Health Care, Mr. Teague formed Creative Risk Solutions, a small privately
owned risk management and funding consultant service in 2002. At CRS, he provided consultation
and assistance in developing health care related programs for national providers, insurance
companies and business associations. Mr. Teague also served as Director of Risk Management with
Emeritus Assisted Living where he started the risk management department and helped assist in the
growth of the organization by 130 locations.
Mr. Teague coaches football at the high school level as his way of giving back to the community. He
is married with two children.
Vice President, Procurement & Alliance Services
Hyrum Kirton was appointed Vice President of Procurement for Avalon Health
Care, Inc. in April of 2011. With talents for negotiating, planning, presenting and
implementing business plans, he ascertains precisely when it is advantageous to
self-supply and when to pursue joint venture partners.
As a result of his excellent performance, Mr. Kirton received the highest score on
the internal employee 360 survey. He is a consistent achiever with a history of
success. His accomplishments include implementing the E-procurement system to
enhance spend control, creating workflow guidelines, standardizing supply
information for an entire organization, managing care contracts to increase
revenue, heading strategic marketing, standardizing vendors ,and centralizing product categories. In
every instance, Mr. Kirton analyzes where resources will be utilized most effectively – streamlining
systems, time and money for maximum quality and savings.
Mr. Kirton earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology Management and an
MBA Degree in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.
Vice President, Senior Living/Assisted Living
Cody Tower is Vice-President of Senior Living at Avalon Health Care. His duties
include overseeing all aspects of operations, sales, marketing and business
development of the Senior Living division as well as pursuing and managing
business partnerships. He helps to lead innovation in the management in Senior
Living services. A seasoned Healthcare Professional with nearly 20 years of
Senior Living leadership experience, Mr. Tower works to build teams, create
growth, and assure quality in the Senior Living environment. He is passionate
about the care, success, and happiness of others.
His past experience includes Director of Operations for Century Park, a national
Senior Living company, helping improve multiple aspects of the company which led to an overall
improvement in profits and quality. He also served as Executive Director and General Manager of
Utah’s largest Independent/Assisted Living Senior Living Community in Salt Lake City, Utah. During
his tenure, Highland Cove was thrice rated Best Senior Living Community in the state of Utah. Cody
worked for Sunrise Senior Living as a Senior Executive Director, leading communities in North
Carolina, Maryland and Virginia, consistently improving value and service. For his work, he and the
communities he has served have garnered best in class awards and other recognition for business
success.
Mr. Tower received a Master in Personnel Administration from James Madison University and his
Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Utah.
Vice President/Controller
William Di Sera has worked in various Avalon Health Care accounting positions
for approximately thirteen years. He was promoted to Vice President/Controller in
2010 and continues to serve in this position.
As Controller, Mr. Di Sera has many responsibilities including conducting period
closings, managing independent audits, implementing better analytical tools and
further developing departmental process improvements. Due to his many years of
experience with Avalon, Mr. Di Sera is knowledgeable in the complexities of the
organization and its near 100 subsidiaries.
Former positions he held with Avalon include, General Ledger Accountant, Senior Accountant,
Manager – Finance and Cash Analysis, and Director of Accounting. His major accomplishments
include: streamlining accounting processes; reducing Avalon’s month-end close period by over one
week; reduction of audit time and costs; managing increased workload without adding additional
overhead; developing and retaining accounting personnel within organization; re-organizing banking
structure to accommodate growth from the acquisition of 23 properties; major contributions to the
acquisition that substantially increased the company’s portfolio of properties.
In addition to Mr. Di Sera’s many professional accomplishments, he has a strong educational
background. He earned a BS degree in Accounting from the University of Utah, followed by an MBA
degree from the prestigious University of Utah program.
Regional Vice President, Washington
Justin Allen was appointed as Vice President of Operations for the Northwest
Division of Avalon Health Care, Inc. in 2013. He brings distinct operations and
leadership experience to Avalon’s management team with over 14 years of
experience in facility and multi-facility operations. Mr. Allen’s extensive knowledge
includes specialized expertise in quality improvement and market segmentation..
Justin previously served as Regional Director of Operations, Senior Administrator
and Administrator at North American Health Care where he substantially
increased survey outcomes, operating revenue and profitability of several skilled
nursing facilities. In addition, he has served as preceptor and mentor for seven
Administrators-in-Training and led operations for more than 600 employees.
Mr. Allen earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration, and double Bachelor of Arts degrees
from Brigham Young University. He is an avid mountain biker and backpacker and enjoys
volunteering for his church and spending time with his family.
Regional Vice President, Hawaii
Steven Gold, is currently the Regional Vice President for the Hawaii Region in
addition to being the Administrator at Hale Nani Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
in Honolulu. Steve was recently named to the American Health Care Association
(AHCA) Board of Delegates along with being given a seat on board of the
Healthcare Association of Hawaii. In his role, he will represent the skilled nursing
facilities of Hawaii at a national level.
Mr. Gold also received recognition for the California Hospital Association (CHA)
where he was awarded a Certificate of Distinction for his previous work as chief
officer for post-acute services at Palomar Health in San Diego County before
joining Avalon in 2013. The Award of Distinction is given in recognition of exemplary performance on
behalf of the health care community in California through a devotion of the highest order to voluntary
duties.
In his role at Palomar Health, Gold made significant contributions to CHA’s successful effort to
eliminate cuts of Medi-Cal rates to hospital-based skilled-nursing facilities. Gold participated in
legislative efforts and media campaigning, gave several TV and print interviews and was a key
participant in CHA’s AB 900 press conference.
Gold received a bachelor’s from State University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s from the
State University of New York at Stony Brook. Gold previously served as the executive director of the
London House in Sonoma and has 37 years of experience in post-acute hospital programs,
managed care and physician services. Also, Gold is a member of the advisory board of CHA
Hospital Services for Continuing Care and the CHA Center for Post-Acute Care.
Regional Vice President, Utah and Veterans Homes
Mr. Kelly Snowball serves as Avalon’s Regional Vice President for the four Utah
Veterans Homes. He as has a long history with Avalon Health Care and was an
Administrator and Regional Director from 1992 to 1999 when Avalon was formerly
known as Heritage Management. Mr. Snowball rejoined Avalon in 2009 as the
Administrator of the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home. In 2012, Mr.
Snowball became Senior Administrator for Avalon’s northern Utah skilled
nursing. In July 2015, Mr. Snowball was promoted to Director of VA Services for
Avalon Health Care and oversees the operations of all four Utah State Veterans
Homes.
With over 28 years of experience in the skilled nursing and long-term care
industry, Mr. Snowball has held many titles with various companies including Director of Operations
at Kindred Health Care, Inc. Mr. Snowball received his B.S. degree in Gerontology from Weber
State University and is currently and adjunct professor at Weber State University.