Diversity Executive Leadership Program

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

AHCA/NCAL is excited to announce the opening of applications for the next class of the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). DELP is a competitive application process, in which fifteen selected individuals will participate in a two-year leadership program consisting of education and networking in the AHCA/NCAL community. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 13, 2026.

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Our Goals:
  1. To provide individuals representing the diverse groups working in AHCA/NCAL member providers with support, access, and opportunities for leadership.
  2. Provide AHCA/NCAL with increased access to a diverse pool of talented, engaged members and leaders, including committee members, chairs, board members, AHCA Council of States representatives, and NCAL State Leaders.
​​In addition to underrepresented groups, DELP recognizes diversity in other areas such as geographic location and organization.​ Your unique perspective is valued.

General Information

Application Period – Friday, January 16, 2026 - Friday, February 13, 2026

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Eligibilty Requirements
  • Have at least three years’ experience in mid- to senior-level long-term care management positions or at least one year as a C-suite executive or owner.
  • Be a full-time employee (not a contractor/consultant) of a skilled nursing facility, assisted living community or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICFs/IID) Residential Services provider in good standing with an AHCA/NCAL state affiliate.
  • Assist in the achievement of the program goal to establish a cohort of participants that represent diversity across the long term care sector by learning from each other, developing and sharing solutions to current and emerging issues with the AHCA/NCAL community, and enhancing themselves as leaders and ambassadors of AHCA/NCAL.

How To Apply

​1. Open Portal

Navigate to the  Application Portal

2. Register

Click on the "Submit Nomination" link and complete and submit the registration form.

3. Login

Login with your email and password.  Please email update@ahca.org if you do not have your login credentials.

4. Create

Create your online application.

5. Respond

To gauge such qualifications, applicants will respond to multiple prompts in 250 words or less. Prompts include:

  • Briefly list 2-3 professional goals you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years.
  • Please describe one of your leadership strengths and one you would like to develop.
  • How will participating in DELP help you achieve the professional goals and strengthen the skills you mentioned in your above answers?
Applicants will also be required to submit an Employer Support Form and State Affiliate Confirmation Form which can be found in the resources of the Application Portal. Applicants are encouraged to download these forms and have them completed before submitting their application.

6. Save

During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a green check mark appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the download icon in the Application Summary section.

7. Submit

On completion, save your Application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the download icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. 

Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

‭(Hidden)‬ Program Requirements
DELP scholars will participate in a two-year leadership program from September 2024 through October 2024, to include education, networking and volunteer service with AHCA/NCAL.  Ten individuals selected to participate in the inaugural two-year program will:
 
  • Attend the DELP orientation to be held September 12 – 13, 2022 in Washington, DC
  • Participate in the 2022/2023 Future Leaders class to include a symposium held September 13 – 15, 2022 in Washington, DC immediately following the DELP orientation and quarterly book discussions/video conference calls
  • Attend both the 2022 and 2023 AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Expo and Congressional Briefing
  • Participate in the Political Ambassadors program to be held in September of 2023 in Washington, DC
  • Join and actively engage in at least one AHCA/NCAL committee
  • Attend at least one AHCA Board of Governors or NCAL Board of Directors meeting each year

Benefits of Participation
Throughout the two-year program, AHCA/NCAL covers costs for DELP scholars, providing access to various trainings, meetings, and events, with scholars earning continuing education (CE) credits. This includes attendance at:

  • Delivering Solutions, the AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Expo (two years)
  • Congressional Briefing (two years)
  • ​DELP Leadership Training and Future Leaders Symposium (first year)
  • DELP Leadership Training and Political Ambassadors Program (second year)

Contact Us
​​Learn more about the Diversity Executive Leadership Program by contact​ing AHCA/NCAL's Christy Herle.

‭(Hidden)‬ Application Packet
The attached file contains the requisite resources an individual needs to complete their application for the 2022-2024 DELP program. A completed application must be submitted in order to be considered for participation.

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