Thornton Manor staff member completes IHCA executive leadership program ...
Fourteen professionals from long-term care organizations across Iowa have completed a year-long executive leadership program through the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA), designed to strengthen leadership in nursing homes, assisted living programs, care continuum and home care settings.
Among those completing the program is Theresa Herman of Thornton Manor Care Center in Lansing, pictured at far right in the photo above.
The 2024-2025 Executive Health Care Leadership Institute wrapped up in July with a graduation ceremony and final project presentations in West Des Moines. The program helps rising leaders in long-term care develop key skills in management, communication, workforce development and quality improvement, while fostering confidence and collaboration across care settings.
The following graduates completed the program and are pictured in the submitted photo above, left to right, Kathy DeHaven, Cedar Ridge Village in West Des Moines; Keegan Donelan, Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids; Karla Bicknell, Kennybrook Village in Grimes; Tyson Branscomb, Cottage Grove Place in West Branch; Morgan Voga, Bethany Life in Story City; Jenny Blackmore, Care Initiatives in West Des Moines; Heather Kling, Highmark Senior Living in West Des Moines; Rachel Ferguson, Accura Healthcare of Iowa in West Des Moines; Dawn Hannum, Kennybrook Village in Grimes; Melinda Haley, Summit Pointe Senior Living in Marion; Megan Toney, Bethany Life in Story City; Tereni Kepler, Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo; and Theresa Herman, Thornton Manor Care Center in Lansing. Not pictured: Jacob Bates, Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls.
“This program supports the next generation of long-term care leaders who are committed to delivering high-quality care for older Iowans,” said IHCA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Brenda Irlbeck. “Each graduate brings new energy, insight and dedication to our field. Their impact will be felt in communities across the state.” Throughout the year, participants took part in both virtual and in-person sessions covering topics such as mission-driven leadership, building trust within teams and leading quality improvement projects. The program was sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Consonus Healthcare and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy.
