Bruce Yarwood

Biography

 The Honorable Mark Parkinson is the president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), which represents more than 12,000 for- and notfor-profit nursing homes, assisted living residences, and centers for the care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before leading AHCA/NCAL, the native Kansan was a successful businessman, state legislator, and most recently served as the 45th Governor of the State of Kansas. A summa cum laude graduate of Wichita State University, Parkinson finished first in his class from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1984 before forming his own private practice law firm in 1986. In 1990, Parkinson was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives; two years later he was elected to the Kansas Senate. While serving in the state legislature, Parkinson earned a reputation for bridging party lines. In 1996, Parkinson focused on a new passion—helping to enhance seniors’ quality of life by providing first-class, elder care centers. An owner and operator for more than 10 years, Parkinson helped to develop 10 centers in Kansas and Missouri. His experience as founder, developer, and CEO of centers offering skilled nursing care, assisted living, and dementia-related care has given Parkinson a perspective that spans the continuum of care. His vision also helped to earn national recognition for the design of one of his assisted living centers, and the title of “Outstanding Business in Northeast Johnson County” for his company. Next, the successful businessman and former state legislator returned to the state capital, joining The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius as her Lieutenant Governor in 2006. Three years later, Parkinson was sworn in as Governor of Kansas when Sebelius was selected to serve as U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services. Under his leadership, Kansas developed a comprehensive energy policy and a 10-year transportation plan for maintaining the state’s infrastructure. Citing his bipartisan support and ability to move the state forward even in challenging economic times, the Topeka Capital Journal named Parkinson “Kansan of the Year” in 2009. Now as the leader of the nation’s largest association representing long term and post-acute care centers, Parkinson is paving a new path for the profession. AHCA/NCAL is focused on delivering policy solutions to today’s health care and budget challenges, improving the Association’s relations with Members of Congress from both parties as well as with government agencies. His vision has brought Parkinson recognition, as he was named one of the Top Association CEOs for 2013 by CEO Update and a Top Lobbyist for 2013 and 2014 by The Hill—a leading Capitol Hill newspaper. Married for more than 30 years, Mark and Stacy Parkinson are the parents of three children – Alex, Sam and Kit – and active in community and charitable organizations.

Research Interest

 Physical medicine and rehabilitation