FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2009

 Health Care Council of Illinois Announces New Employees

SPRINGFIELD – The Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) has announced two new employees as part of an integrated communication program just launched for both the Illinois Council on Long Term Care and the Illinois Health Care Association (IHCA), two state nursing home associations.  In addition, IHCA has just announced an employee promotion.

Kevin Kavanaugh of Schaumburg was named director of communication for HCCI. Kavanaugh previously served as director of public affairs for the Illinois Council on Long Term Care. Kavanaugh earned his master’s degree in Advertising Management from Michigan State University and has worked in the long-term care profession for more than 16 years. Among his many duties, Kavanaugh will serve as the primary media contact for HCCI.

Mark Westenberger of Jacksonville was named communication specialist for HCCI. He previously served as member services manager for the Illinois Health Care Association. Westenberger received his master’s degree in Music from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and has worked in the long-term care profession for more than five years. In his new position, Westenberger will be involved in both internal and external communications.

Ashley Caldwell of Springfield has been promoted to member services manager for IHCA. Caldwell received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign.  She previously served as IHCA’s communications assistant and office receptionist. In her new role, Caldwell will serve as the liaison between IHCA and HCCI and will assist the HCCI communication department.

“Now, through HCCI’s new communication program, the Illinois Council on Long Term Care and the Illinois Health Care Association will be able to speak with one unified voice representing the Illinois nursing home profession,” said Pat Comstock, executive director of HCCI.  “I am very proud to have Kavanaugh, Westenberger and Caldwell as part of our team.”

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The Health Care Council of Illinois is a professional association of more than 600 nursing facilities committed to quality residential health care in Illinois through a productive and responsible partnership between the private and public sectors. HCCI represents more than 65,000 nursing home professionals serving more than 52,000 residents. HCCI serves as the joint government affairs and communication arm for the Illinois Health Care Association and the Illinois Council on Long Term Care.