AHCA/NCAL’s Mark Parkinson and Clifton J. Porter II Recognized as The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023 / Porter Named McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award
In a notable acknowledgment of exceptional leadership in long term care advocacy, Mark Parkinson, President and CEO, and Clifton J. Porter II, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), have been named The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023. Porter has also been named McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award winner.
This is Porter’s first time to receive both honors. Parkinson has received the Top Lobbyist recognition for 11 years running and received the McKnight’s Pinnacle Award in 2022. He was also honored among the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare just last week.
These distinctions reflect their unwavering dedication to advocating on behalf of the long term and post-acute care profession.
Mark Parkinson’s pivotal role in steering the industry through post-pandemic recovery has been instrumental. His advocacy emphasized prioritizing nursing homes and assisted living communities for ongoing resources, highlighting his commitment to improving the lives of the millions of individuals who reside and work in long term care.
Parkinson’s impact is demonstrated through the federal minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes proposed by CMS in September 2023. Facing a potential one-size-fits-all staffing mandate during a historic labor crisis, Parkinson engaged policymakers and stakeholders. He presented alternative, comprehensive solutions in the Care for our Seniors Act, addressing recruitment and retention with strategies such as student loan forgiveness and tax credits. AHCA/NCAL, under Parkinson’s leadership, launched a grassroots effort that resulted in over 18,000 unique comments to CMS, expressing concerns about the negative ramifications of the proposed staffing mandate.
As AHCA/NCAL’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Clifton J. Porter II brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the profession. With a career spanning 34 years, his journey reflects a deep commitment to seniors and the improvement of long term care. Porter’s achievements include organizing over 150 facility tours with members of Congress, developing legislative champions against the unfunded staffing mandate, and advocating for common-sense policies to help address workforce challenges. As a beacon for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Porter advocates for increased representation within the industry. His tireless efforts include nurturing the next generation of DEI-focused health care leaders.
“This acknowledgment from The Hill reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change in the long term care profession, ensuring the well-being of those we serve,” said Parkinson.
Porter added, “Getting a seat at the table and telling our story has never been more critical. We share these awards with our dedicated team and partners who contribute to the impactful outcomes we’ve achieved.”
The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023 list recognizes the dynamic duo’s exceptional results and highlights their significant contributions to the nation’s health care advocacy landscape. McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award recognizes leaders for driving change, setting new standards, and inspiring others.
AHCA/NCAL are honored to be part of a community that drives positive change and ensures the best care for those in need.
For more information, view The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023 and McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award.
