FALA Staff
Meet the FALA Staff that serves you!
Alberta Granger
Chief Executive Officer
Alberta Granger was officially appointed as the Chief Executive Officer by FALA’s Board of Directors on January 15, 2026, bringing nearly 40 years of regulatory health care experience to the association and our members. Known throughout the state as the “ALF regulatory expert”, Alberta brings a wealth of knowledge in the regulations and laws pertaining to assisted living facilities and adult family care homes.
As CEO, Alberta is responsible for overseeing and directing all FALA operations, driving member engagement, and leading the organization in its commitment to championing excellence in assisted living communities and adult family care homes across the state. Alberta works directly to the FALA Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to ensure that FALA remains a leader in the senior living industry, and that FALA member communities and partners continue to succeed and thrive.
After 35 years serving in state government with Florida A&M University, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and the Agency for Health Care Administration, Alberta joined FALA in May 2009 as Lead Consultant and Trainer and was later promoted to Director of Professional Development until her semi-retirement in August 2022, and her return to FALA in July 2023 as Executive Director of Regulatory Support & Education.
In 2017, Alberta received the association's most prestigious award, the Sid Rosenblatt Excellence in Leadership Award, in recognition of her years of outstanding leadership and service to the assisted living industry, as well as the association's members.
Alberta is married to Eugene, and they have two adult children and four grandchildren.
Tammi Wathen
Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Events
Tammi Wathen joined FALA in 2012 as Membership Manager, was later promoted to Director of Membership, and in 2020 was named Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Events. In this role, she supports the CEO in daily operational matters and oversees the association’s membership and marketing strategies, including identifying new business partner opportunities. She also manages the association’s annual conference and special events. Tammi has worked in the association management profession for more than 30 years, in addition to 11 years as a regulatory legal assistant in the telecommunications and credit union industries, and 6 years in State government.
In 2023, the association unveiled the "Tammi Wathen Above & Beyond Award" in honor of Tammi's hard work and dedication to the association, strong work ethics, and always going above and beyond for FALA's members. Tammi's impact and legacy will continue to be honored each year going forward as this award is presented to a new recipient who exemplifies these traits.
Anna Lopez
Director of Professional Development
Anna Lopez is FALA's Director of Professional Development and responsible for creating a comprehensive and integrated program for continuing education for ALF providers and employees. She is also responsible for developing, coordinating, and conducting trainings for administrators and staff to exceed compliance requirements with Florida Statutes. She conducts mock surveys and will consult with members to assess development needs and analyze training trends and organizational training needs to create appropriate programs. Anna works with our Education team to oversee and implement new training programs.
Mary Graddick
Membership Manager
Mary Graddick joined FALA in January 2022, as Membership Manager, and is responsible for maintaining accurate membership records, annual dues billing, and providing assistance and information to current and prospective members. With more than 40 years of experience working in customer support roles, Mary loves helping our members find value in their FALA membership.
Emily Friedlander
Education & Communications Coordinator
Emily Friedlander joined the FALA team in July 2023 after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science, specializing in Psychology. As FALA’s Education & Communications Coordinator, Emily oversees the association’s online learning platform and ensures the proper management of continuing education credits for course participants. She also manages FALA’s social media presence and supports the coordination of regional chapter activities across the state.