Today marks my last day with WHCA/WiCAL. I’ve been with the Association now for the last 8 and a half years, and I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts as I depart for a new career opportunity.

My position at WHCA/WiCAL has evolved since I joined the association in 2016. I joined WHCA/WiCAL as Director of Communications, with very little experience or understanding of the long-term care space. I came to the association by way of the legislature, having served as a legislative staffer for about six years. At the time, I couldn’t have told you the difference between a skilled nursing and assisted living center. I like to think I’ve come a long way since those days when I was given this opportunity and grew into my role from Communications Director, to Director of Public Affairs, to now the VP of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs.

I have been asked what is the most important thing I’ve learned during the better part of a decade I was with WHCA/WiCAL. I’ve learned a lot, thanks to my colleagues and especially from engagement by our SNF and AL members who have helped enlighten me on the challenges and priorities of providers. I’ve worked with providers and regulators to navigate a complex regulatory and policy environment that is constantly changing. But – I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned from my time at the association has been that the common denominator to the work that each member does each day is the deep and unwavering commitment to providing excellent care to their residents. It always comes back to that mission. It makes our job at the association more clear – to help however we can to clear a path for you all to work toward that noble goal each day.

I’ll remain in the Wisconsin health care space, and I know I’ll be seeing some or many of you in my new role. Rick will still have to put up with me at political events from time to time. I will miss the work, but most importantly I’ll miss the relationships I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of building with you all over the years. And of course, I’ll miss the daily interactions with my colleagues, who I believe are some of the best workers that a state association could assemble. We have been a small but nimble team that has clicked in so many ways. I have no doubt that the association, under Rick’s leadership, will continue its work without skipping a beat, and I’ll be admiring the good work the association and the sector is doing – just from a new vantage point.

Thank you all for giving me this opportunity. I’ll be seeing you.

-Jim Stoa