Stephen B. Hanse, Esq.
President & Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 11
E-mail: shanse@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Stephen B. Hanse, Esq., has served as President & CEO of NYSHFA | NYSCAL and President of the Foundation for Quality Care since January 2017. He formerly held the position of Vice President & Counsel for the Association beginning in 2013. Prior to joining NYSHFA | NYSCAL Stephen was with the law firm of Featherstonhaugh, Wiley & Clyne where he represented healthcare organizations and Fortune 500 companies before New York’s Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government. Earlier in his career, Stephen was Vice President of the Energy Association of New York State and held several policy positions in the New York State Senate and Assembly. Stephen is active in the American Health Care Association, the New York State Bar Association, the Board of the Albany Law School Government Law Center and the Board of the Albany Law Elder Law and Special Needs Subcommittee. He is admitted to the Bar in New York State, the United States District Court for the Northern District, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Laurie Robertson
Director of Administration
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 12
E-mail: lrobertson@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Laurie Robertson joined the Association in January 2005 after 16 years in the public sector working for a school district and nine years as an operations manager for a candy wholesaler. As the Director of Administration at NYSHFA/NYSCAL, Laurie is responsible for supporting the President and CEO and Board of Directors; managing office operations and support staff; human resources; membership, and accounts receivable.
Lisa Volk
Executive Director for the Foundation for Quality Care (FQC)
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 15
E-mail: lvolk@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Lisa M. Volk RN, B.P.S., LNHA, joined New York State Health Facilities Association (NYSHFA) in 2016 and has over 40 years of experience in long-term care operations. Throughout Lisa’s career, her dedication, diligence, and passion has ensured success for NYSHFA and the long-term care facilities she was employed by, whether serving in a role as executive director, administrator, or director of nursing. During her time at NYSHFA she has played a key role with policy development, advocacy, education, and member support. Her most recent grant work includes lead educator on a variety of projects, as well as Project Director for “Mouth Care Without a Battle “which resulted in article publication in the Journal of American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA), Pragmatic Innovations. Lisa currently serves on the American Health Care Association (AHCA) Clinical & Quality Committee and is a member of the Professional Development Work Group.
Christina Audi, MHA, LNHA
Executive Director for NYS Center for Assisted Living (NYSCAL)
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 13
E-mail: caudi@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Christina joined NYSCAL as Executive Director, November 2023. Christina’s healthcare journey began with her academic pursuits, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with a Concentration in Pre-Med from Monmouth University. She further specialized with a Master of Health Care Administration from Utica College.
For the decade prior to joining NYSCAL, Christina served as an Executive Director for Assisted living and prior to this as a LNHA. Christina spent the earlier part of her career working for the Greater New York Hospital Association, where she was involved in trade association operations and advocacy.
Tarrah A. Quinlan
Director, Education Program Development & Member Operations
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 20
E-mail:tquinlan@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Tarrah Quinlan joined NYSHFA | NYSCAL in October 2020. Tarrah is a Registered Professional Nurse with over 20 years’ experience in multiple health care settings, specializing in long-term care. Most recently, Tarrah served as the Director of the Bureau of Quality Assurance and Surveillance at the New York State Department of Health. Prior to serving as Director, Tarrah served in several key long-term care positions within the Department of Health and in the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General. Tarrah has an extensive background in policy development, operations, quality control, and regulatory compliance in skilled nursing facilities. Her passion and visionary perspective have earned her leadership positions in quality assurance and surveillance of nursing homes, Medicaid managed care plan contracting and oversight, and conduction of Medicaid audits. Early in her career she held a supervisory role within a county nursing home and has experience in the acute setting specializing in pulmonary patient care. Ms. Quinlan has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Russell Sage College, is Patient Review Instrument (PRI) and Screen certified, MDS 3.0 proficient, and has completed health care surveyor training from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Tarrah’s experiences working across the healthcare continuum with staff and facility leaders have shaped her positive approach to the value of enhancing local, state, and national partnerships to achieve regulatory compliance and accreditation and to build strong quality improvement practices with providers.
Kristin A. DeVries, MA, MPP
Director of Government Relations
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 14
E-mail: kdevries@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Kristin A. DeVries, MA, MPP joined NYSHFA | NYSCAL in February 2023, as Director of Government Relations. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in public policy, government relations, and association leadership and management. Previously, Kristin served as Director of Policy and Advocacy for Sepsis Alliance, a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to saving lives from sepsis, working with the federal government and stakeholders to advance sound infectious disease and antimicrobial stewardship policies and practices.
Prior to Sepsis Alliance, Kristin served in several roles for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), District II, a statewide membership-based organization, most recently serving as Senior Director of Operations. Earlier in her career, Kristin worked on health policy issues for both the New York State Legislature and New York State Governor’s office.
Kristin holds a dual M.A. in U.S. History and Public Policy from the Rockefeller College for Public Affairs and Policy at the University of Albany.
Jackie Pappalardi
Sr. Director of Grants and Member Operations
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 16
E-mail: jpappalardi@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Jackie is a registered nurse with more than 40 years of service in the public and private health care delivery system. Her experiences include leadership positions to achieve accreditation, develop and implement emergency management programs and build strong quality improvement practices. She has demonstrated leadership and management experience at the state level enabling her to work closely with providers across the healthcare continuum. She has many years of experience in grant development and administration, as well as member support and policy guidance. Jackie serves on the American Health Care Association’s Quality Committee.
Jessica Van Wormer
Director of Creative, Graphic & Marketing Services
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 18
E-mail: jvanwormer@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Jessica Van Wormer joined NYSHFA/NYSCAL in April of 2019. She is an award-winning designer with more than 20 years of experience in creative development and strategic marketing. She has proven her ability to produce best-fit solutions for multi-faceted projects across a number of industries varying from pharmaceuticals to children’s toy products. Jessica obtained both her degrees (AA in Advertising Design and BFA in Graphic Design) at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Her past career focus as a creative leader in the Trade Show and Event industry will be put to good use in facilitating the Association’s marketing needs spanning print, digital and large format.
Janice Haney
Controller
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 24
E-Mail: jhaney@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Janice Haney joined NYSHFA in 2015. Her responsibilities include general ledger, financial reporting, accounts receivable and accounts payable, and the finances related to grant programs. Janice received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Siena College, master’s degree in accounting from College of St. Rose, graduate certificate in Taxation from Golden Gate University, and holds certifications in Nonprofit Accounting and Healthcare Financial Management.
Carl Pucci
Medicaid & Reimbursement Advisor
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 36
E-mail: cpucci@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Carl Pucci retired from his position as NYSHFA’s CFO in December 2023 and now serves as a Medicaid & Reimbursement Advisor. He has a BBA degree in business administration from Siena College, is past president of the NENY Healthcare Financial Management Association and serves on NYSARC’s Montgomery County Board of Directors.
Amandia Carr
BS Accounting
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 17
E-mail: acarr@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Amandia joined the finance department at NYSHFA | NYSCAL full-time December 2023. Prior to joining NYSHFA | NYSCAL Amandia spent ten years working for the Interfaith Partnership of the Homeless (IPH), a non-profit agency. During her time at IPH she served in progressively more advanced roles moving from staff accountant to Finance Supervisor. In addition to her experience in accounting she has experience in many areas of human resources.
Melony Spock
Manager, Special Projects
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 21
E-mail: mspock@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Melony Spock serves as the Special Projects Manager. At present Melony Manages the Foundation for Quality Care’s Project First Line NY grant program and provides support to the New York State Center for Assisted Living. Melony has served in various positions since joining NYSHFA in 2007. Prior to joining the Association Melony worked as the Education and Membership Manager for PS21 in Chatham, NY. Melony has served on many community boards and is currently a member of the Questar III Board and a Trustee for the Village of Chatham.
Joanne O’Connor
Coordinator, Communications & Membership
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 23
E-mail: joconnor@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Joanne O’Connor joined NYSHFA in 1996 as Administrative Assistant for the Communications Department and is currently the Communications and Membership Coordinator. Her responsibilities include coordinating the NYSHFA and NYSCAL recognition awards, scholarships, and Art from the Heart programs. In addition, Joanne, is a trained master user of the membership database with expertise in report writing. She also works with the executive staff on membership recruitment and dues; the Associate Member Program; and membership and media communications.
Nancy Knapp
Assistant, Government Affairs & Member Operational Support
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 26
E-mail: nknapp@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Nancy Knapp joined NYSHFA in 2010 after a successful career in the insurance industry working for CUNA Mutual Group for twenty-six years providing thorough and skillful support to senior executives, sales and service staff. Nancy’s experience in providing executive level support services is put to good use as she currently provides support to the Executive Director of the Foundation for Quality Care, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Clinical and Quality Services as well as to the Director of Government Affairs and the President/CEO.
Erin Armstrong
Assistant, Education & Conference Planning
Phone: 518-462-4800, Ext. 22
E-mail: earmstrong@nyshfa-nyscal.org
Erin joined the Association in May 2016 after 14 years working with a state business association for engineering. As the Assistant for Education & Conference Planning at NYSHFA | NYSCAL, Erin is responsible for supporting the Director of Education & Conference Planning in all aspects of planning and implementation of meetings, events, and educational programming. In addition, she is a master user of the membership & registration database. Erin is also the coordinator of CEU Credit Approvals and the CE Registry with the National Association of LTC Administrator Boards.