Blog
Chris Downing Named GHCA President and CEO
For Immediate Release
December 1, 2022
Contact
Devon Barill, Director of Communications
dbarill@ghca.info
(678) 783-1703
The Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA) is pleased to announce Chris Downing as President & CEO of the Association effective December 1, 2022. Downing brings nearly three decades of experience in promoting healthcare policy initiatives at the state and federal levels and a strong track record in driving organizational success to the role.December 1, 2022
Contact
Devon Barill, Director of Communications
dbarill@ghca.info
(678) 783-1703
“Chris is a dynamic and results-driven leader, bringing unparalleled expertise in government relations, health care, strategic planning and relationship building to the President & CEO position,” said GHCA Board Chair Jerry Patton. “His exceptional background and experience will allow him to serve as a qualified and trusted voice on behalf of GHCA and its members as we offer solutions and foster excellence in today's challenging environment."
“I am deeply honored to represent the outstanding and dedicated professionals that comprise the GHCA membership,” said Downing. “As President & CEO, I am committed to supporting our members in their mission to advance the care they provide and optimizing the value of GHCA membership so they can focus on what matters most - their residents, patients and team members.”
Downing most recently served as Vice President of Government Relations for Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, one of the nation's largest home health and hospice providers. He also previously served in the same position for Kindred At Home and PruittHealth Corporation. In these roles, he was responsible for overseeing all federal, state and local government relations efforts. Additionally, he directed all legislative strategies related to Medicaid, Medicare and regulatory matters.
Downing has also served in senior level positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where he provided executive leadership on issues related to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Public Health Preparedness, the Food and Drug Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Institutes for Health.
Downing began his career working on Capitol Hill working for three different members of Congress throughout the 1990s. He graduated from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio and lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Carrie and their three children.
About GHCA
The Georgia Health Care Association is a non-profit association of skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, and elderly and disabled waiver case management agencies. Advocates for Georgia's elderly since 1953, the Association represents the best interests of patients, residents and consumers as well as owners, administrators, and other personnel. GHCA strives to enhance the ability of its members to provide competent and compassionate care to meet the ever-changing health care needs of elderly Georgians. For more information, visit www.ghca.info.