Rick Abrams, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Rick@whcawical.org | C: (516) 241-2879
Rick Abrams is the Chief Executive Officer of WHCA/WiCAL. With more than 15 years working in the long-term care profession, Rick brings a wealth of health care experience, including prior work at the New Jersey AHCA/NCAL Affiliate, and as COO at AHCA/NCAL. More recently, Rick has worked with the American Medical Association and the Wisconsin Medical Society. Rick holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law.
Jena Jackson
Vice President of Business Development
Jena@whcawical.org | C: (608) 279-5615
Jena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Northern Iowa and has a diverse background in brand management, public relations, and business development. Jena has nearly 20 years of professional experience, focusing on business growth, revenue diversification, relationship development, and client/member engagement. Jena continues to use her array of professional experiences and background to help grow WHCA/WiCAL membership, develop lasting partnerships, and enhance offerings and benefits to both members and business partners. Jena plans & implements association events & educational programs, is the lead on member and business partner relationships & development, oversees association marketing, is the key contact for advertising and sponsorship opportunities, and serves on the various association committees. Jena is also on the board of the AHCA/NCAL Long Term Care Meeting Professionals Group, serves on the WCCEAL Advisory Committee, and sits on the University of Wisconsin Healthcare Administration Advisory Board.
Eric Koch
Vice President of Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs
ekoch@whcawical.org | C: (920) 915-4726
Eric Koch is the Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs of WHCA/WiCAL. Eric brings more than 13 years of experience in the Wisconsin Legislature, including roles in leadership offices, working on a diverse array of issues areas, and collaborating with numerous State Agencies on policy implementation and regulatory issues. He is a proud life-long Wisconsinite with a Bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Eric is a jack of all trades both professionally and personally, and enjoys learning new issues and new skills. He has a track record of using public policy to improve the lives and well-being of people and communities in the state.
Kate Dickson, MPA
Vice President of Reimbursement Policy
Kate@whcawical.org
Kate Dickson is a graduate of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University with a Master of Public Administration as well as a graduate certificate in Public Health. Kate has a strong background in quantitative analysis and statistical research. She has held internships with the American Cancer Society, Childspring International and the Lupus Foundation of America. Hired in 2014, Kate provides WHCA/WiCAL members with data, policy and financial analysis. Please contact Kate with questions that you have about any of these matters.
Kate Battiato, MPA
Vice President of Workforce Development
Kbattiato@whcawical.org | C: (608) 520-0358
Kate Battiato is the Vice President of Workforce Development of WHCA/WiCAL. A proud “Double Badger,” Battiato holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the La Follette School. She brings a unique mix of public policy and HR experience to WHCA/WiCAL. Kate is a trained Career Development Facilitator and worked for a number of years in career services in higher education. She was a Corporate Recruiter for Epic and Director of Staffing and HR at a California consulting firm. On the policy side, Kate has served as a Policy Consultant, Legislative Aide, and a Management Analyst, all of which have built her knowledge of how policy, processes, and people can come together to create organizational value. Kate enjoys working at the intersection of policy, recruitment, and career development facilitation as the managing lead for WisCaregiver Careers, a workforce development program designed to address the CNA shortage in Wisconsin nursing homes.
Taylor Larson
Director of Administration & Association Services
taylor@whcawical.org | C: (319) 269-2486
Taylor is WHCA/WiCAL’s Director of Administration and Association Services. With over 10 years of professional experience in management and operations, Taylor has valuable skills to keep WHCA/WiCAL running smoothly. She provides membership services, manages the membership database, tracks financial information, and handles payroll, benefits, accounts payable, and accounts receivable for the association. Taylor is the primary contact for WCCEAL enrollment and questions, and is a key member or the event and education team. If you have any questions regarding billing of dues or programs & educational events, please feel free to contact her.