Bijou Ikli
Chief Executive Officer
Bijou Ikli was officially appointed by the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA)’s Executive Board as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) June 1, 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and proven track record in leadership in Florida’s senior healthcare and long-term care arenas.
As FALA’s CEO, Bijou is responsible for overseeing and directing all FALA operations, driving member engagement, and leading the organization in its commitment to championing excellence in assisted care communities across the state. Bijou works closely with FALA’s 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.
With her extensive experience in communications-driven business development, strategic planning, and leadership in the fields of finance, post-acute care, palliative care, primary care, and media, she brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relationships to leading FALA into a bright and successful future.
Bijou is passionately committed to effecting positive change to promote the best quality of life for our aging population. In her various executive roles she has collaborated with many assisted living providers, skilled nursing providers, physician groups, hospitals, health systems, and value-based care entities. Bijou has also served FALA through various elected roles including Pinellas County Chapter Secretary, statewide Board Member, and statewide Membership Committee Chair.
Bijou earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of South Florida (USF), and a Master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University. She also has received extensive training under the guidance of renowned professional, Alberta Granger, and holds certification as an Assisted Living Administrator from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
Bijou Ikli was officially appointed by the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA)’s Executive Board as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) June 1, 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and proven track record in leadership in Florida’s senior healthcare and long-term care arenas.
As FALA’s CEO, Bijou is responsible for overseeing and directing all FALA operations, driving member engagement, and leading the organization in its commitment to championing excellence in assisted care communities across the state. Bijou works closely with FALA’s 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.
With her extensive experience in communications-driven business development, strategic planning, and leadership in the fields of finance, post-acute care, palliative care, primary care, and media, she brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and relationships to leading FALA into a bright and successful future.
Bijou is passionately committed to effecting positive change to promote the best quality of life for our aging population. In her various executive roles she has collaborated with many assisted living providers, skilled nursing providers, physician groups, hospitals, health systems, and value-based care entities. Bijou has also served FALA through various elected roles including Pinellas County Chapter Secretary, statewide Board Member, and statewide Membership Committee Chair.
Bijou earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of South Florida (USF), and a Master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from The George Washington University. She also has received extensive training under the guidance of renowned professional, Alberta Granger, and holds certification as an Assisted Living Administrator from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
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 nearly 30 years, in addition to 9 years as a regulatory legal assistant in the telecommunications and credit union industries.
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 nearly 30 years, in addition to 9 years as a regulatory legal assistant in the telecommunications and credit union industries.
Anna Lopez
Director of Professional Development
Anna Lopez is 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 will consult with members to assess development needs and analyze training trends and organizational training needs to create appropriate programs. Anna will work with the Lead Trainer & Consultant to oversee and implement new training programs.
Anna Lopez is 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 will consult with members to assess development needs and analyze training trends and organizational training needs to create appropriate programs. Anna will work with the Lead Trainer & Consultant to oversee and implement new training programs.
Kirsten Litchford
Chapter and Education Manager
Kirsten ‘Kiki’ Litchford is a community support professional with a decade of experience working for domestic and international nonprofits, government agencies, and private institutions. After five years spent in the agriculture industry working directly with small farms and schools to reduce food insecurity, Kiki transitioned into support services. While pursuing graduate degrees she gained experience with providers of older adult and disability services. She joins FALA with an MA in Social Work and an MA in Public Administration from Florida State University, in addition to a BA in Entrepreneurship. As the Chapter and Education Manager, Kiki supports FALA’s members through training and event coordination.
Kirsten ‘Kiki’ Litchford is a community support professional with a decade of experience working for domestic and international nonprofits, government agencies, and private institutions. After five years spent in the agriculture industry working directly with small farms and schools to reduce food insecurity, Kiki transitioned into support services. While pursuing graduate degrees she gained experience with providers of older adult and disability services. She joins FALA with an MA in Social Work and an MA in Public Administration from Florida State University, in addition to a BA in Entrepreneurship. As the Chapter and Education Manager, Kiki supports FALA’s members through training and event coordination.
Mary Graddick
Membership Manager
Mary Graddick is responsible for maintaining accurate membership records 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.
Mary Graddick is responsible for maintaining accurate membership records 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.
