Veronica Catoe
Chief Executive Officer
In June of 2019, The Florida Assisted Living Association named Veronica J. Catoe as the Chief Executive Officer for the association. As the Chief Executive Officer for the Association, Veronica answers directly to the President and Board of Directors; responsible for the implementation of the daily functions and operations of the Association; establishes and maintains effective organizational structure for the Association office and staff; works with staff to distinguish member needs and to identify opportunities for new programs and new directions for the organization; serves as spokesperson for the Association and assisted living; meets with members and prospective members; assists members with law and rule questions; participates in professional coalitions with other related associations.
Veronica has a degree in accounting, is a Licensed Practical Nurse and has over twenty years in the health care. She joined Florida Assisted Living Association after working in senior living for over fourteen years as a Resident Services Director, Executive Director, Regional Director of Operations and lastly Vice President of New Operations servicing multiple states. Prior to those positions, she worked in home health, long-term care, and acute care settings in clinical and administrative roles since 1994. Her experience provides current and new members with an added resource to assist in their communities.
In June of 2019, The Florida Assisted Living Association named Veronica J. Catoe as the Chief Executive Officer for the association. As the Chief Executive Officer for the Association, Veronica answers directly to the President and Board of Directors; responsible for the implementation of the daily functions and operations of the Association; establishes and maintains effective organizational structure for the Association office and staff; works with staff to distinguish member needs and to identify opportunities for new programs and new directions for the organization; serves as spokesperson for the Association and assisted living; meets with members and prospective members; assists members with law and rule questions; participates in professional coalitions with other related associations.
Veronica has a degree in accounting, is a Licensed Practical Nurse and has over twenty years in the health care. She joined Florida Assisted Living Association after working in senior living for over fourteen years as a Resident Services Director, Executive Director, Regional Director of Operations and lastly Vice President of New Operations servicing multiple states. Prior to those positions, she worked in home health, long-term care, and acute care settings in clinical and administrative roles since 1994. Her experience provides current and new members with an added resource to assist in their communities.
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.
