Debbie Meade to Receive Ousley Champion of Quality Award

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) on Aug. 25 named Deborah (Debbie) Meade, CEO Emerita of Health Management, as the 2026 recipient of the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award.

The award recognizes her extraordinary leadership, commitment to quality improvement, and decades of service advancing excellence in long term and post-acute care, AHCA/NCAL said,

“Debbie is incredibly deserving of this award, as she is the definition of a true champion,” said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Clif Porter. “Her steady presence has been a source of confidence and reassurance for our members, and when she speaks, we can feel her passion for this profession and her commitment to quality. She has given so much of herself to advancing long term care nationwide, and it is befitting to honor her with this award.”   

During her many leadership roles with AHCA/NCAL, including serving as chair of the AHCA Board of Governors and as co-chair of the AHCA Quality Cabinet, Meade championed policies that put residents first and strengthened quality care with the motto, “do the right thing, the right way,” the association said. 

Meade will be formally presented with the award during Del​ivering Solutions 26, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, Oct. 11-14, in Boston. 

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