(Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC)— This week, the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) honored leaders in home-based care during the 2025 National Alliance for Care at Home Annual Meeting & Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Award presentations began on Sunday, Nov. 2, with the Advocate of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. The Advocate of the Year award was presented to Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health. This award honors Fleece for demonstrating outstanding dedication to advancing the care at home mission through advocacy, public policy, and grassroots engagement. Through these efforts, Fleece has elevated the voice of care in the home and made a lasting impact on our field.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Richard MacMillan, former Senior Counsel of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at LHC Group. This award celebrates MacMillan for his exceptional dedication and passion for home-based care, which has made lasting contributions to patients, families, and communities. We thank Richard MacMillan for his continued leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing care in the home.
Award presentations continued Monday with the Care at Home Partner Award and an additional Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Care at Home Partner Award was given to Axxess, the leading global technology platform for healthcare in the home and Alliance Strategic Partner. This award recognizes Axxess’ outstanding support in advancing care in the home through innovation and high-impact advocacy efforts.
The second Lifetime Achievement Award was given to David Totaro, Chief Government Affairs Officer at BAYADA Home Health Care and Alliance Transition Board member. This award celebrates Totaro’s leadership and meaningful and enduring achievements in advancing care at home. We recognize his contributions to the industry as a leader, innovator, and champion for care at home.
Awards continued on Tuesday, including the State Association Award, the Above and Beyond Award, and the Retirement Recognition Award.
The State Association Award, which honors a state association that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing care at home, was awarded to the Home Care Association of Florida. This award recognized the association’s impactful advocacy, member support, and initiatives that elevate quality, access, and awareness in the care at home community. We thank the Home Care Association of Florida for serving as a driving force for progress in the industry.
Andrew “Andy” Robinson, Vice President of Operations at CommonSpirit Health at Home, received the Above and Beyond Award, which celebrates a dedicated care in the home professional who consistently goes above and beyond in furthering the provision of care. We recognize Robinson’s continued compassion, reliability, and unwavering commitment to the community, making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families while embodying the heart of care at home.
The Retirement Recognition Award was presented to Mary Carr, RN, Vice President for Regulatory Affairs at the National Alliance for Care at Home. In her role, Carr led the organization’s efforts to keep members informed and engaged with federal regulations and initiatives affecting the home health care industry. With over 20 years of experience in regulatory affairs and more than 35 years as a registered nurse, we thank Mary Carr for her outstanding service as an expert in federal home health care regulations.
Awards concluded on Tuesday night at the National Hospice Foundation Gala at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Awards included the Philanthropic Partner Award, the Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Dr. Bernice Catherine Harper Trailblazer Award.
The Philanthropic Partner Award was given to James “Jimmy” Borynack, Chairman and CEO of Wally Findlay Galleries International. This award recognized Borynack as a partner whose generosity and commitment have made a lasting impact on patients, families, and communities. His support fuels the programs and innovations that bring comfort, dignity, and quality to those we serve.
The Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding volunteers or teams whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on care in the home, was awarded to Kate Fresca, Bluegrass Care Navigators. We celebrate Fresca for embodying the spirit of service, compassion, and dedication that unites the care at home community.
Lastly, the Dr. Bernice Catherine Harper Trailblazer Award, which recognizes individuals who embody Dr. Harper’s lifelong commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations, was presented to Nicole Scotto, Anvoi Hospice of New Mexico. Scotto has demonstrated innovation, compassion, and leadership in expanding health equity and ensuring that individuals and historically-marginalized communities receive high-quality, culturally respectful, and person-centered care. This award reaffirms our collective responsibility to advance justice and inclusion in healthcare.
The first annual National Alliance for Care at Home Meeting and Exposition served as an important milestone in celebrating the unified voice of the care at home community. The Alliance congratulates these impactful award recipients.
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About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in transforming care in the home. As an inclusive thought leader, advocate, educator, and convener, we serve as the unifying voice for providers and recipients of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services throughout all stages of life. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
Press Contact
communications@allianceforcareathome.org
Hannah Kristan | 202-355-1647
