ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Assisted Living Federation of America today announced that James Balda has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective mid-January 2015, ushering in a new era with a broad plan to enhance ALFA’s support of its growing industry.
Balda joins ALFA from the National Restaurant Association where he has served as Senior Vice President of Innovation and Business Development. At the National Restaurant Association, he played a major role in enhancing member value and new product strategies. He also was responsible for brand stewardship and strengthening the image of the association and industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome James to ALFA,” said Brenda Bacon, CEO of Brandywine Senior Living and Chairperson of ALFA’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to working with him as the organization continues to evolve in order to provide even more value to our rapidly growing and essential industry. With James at the helm, the ‘new ALFA’ will develop professional standards promoting self-regulation and quality long term living choices. We are also creating credentialing programs for senior living professionals that will continue to build strong leaders and ensure the delivery of quality services and care to our residents as well as confidence from those who love them.”
“I am honored to join ALFA and to work with the board and our members to create the ‘new ALFA,’ which will support our members as they continue to shape the future of senior living through standard setting, credentialing, education and continued advocacy for quality choices in senior living,” Balda said. “I also look forward to creating stronger partnerships with ALFA’s state chapters and affiliates as we work together to meet our common goals. This is a very exciting time for ALFA.”
“The ‘new ALFA’ under James will work closely with state associations to provide the support they need to achieve optimum performance and quality service,” said Sally Michael, president of the California Assisted Living Association. “I know James will lead ALFA to set the highest standards for senior living and educate ALFA members to drive continuous improvement. ALFA’s advocacy in Washington, combined with that of state associations throughout the country, focuses on ensuring the optimal lifestyle for seniors.”
Balda brings nearly two decades of association experience with a successful track record in business development, marketing and membership. Prior to the National Restaurant Association, Balda served as vice president of Member Services and Professional Development at America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). In this position, he was responsible for the association’s member services, professional training, customer service, and online publishing programs. Before that, he held positions at the Health Insurance Association of America and the Newspaper Association of America. Balda is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and resides in Ashburn, Va., with his wife and four children.
Balda assumes his new position building on the great stewardship of Maribeth Bersani, ALFA’s senior vice president of public policy who has been interim CEO, and Richard Grimes who retired in June. Balda was selected after a national search conducted by the Executive Committee of the ALFA Board and led by executive search firm Korn Ferry.
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally managed, appropriately licensed, resident-centered, consumer-driven senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve.
For more information about ALFA, visit www.alfa.org and follow ALFA on Twitter and Facebook.
