Peggy Rigsby and Tony Marshall of FHCA Take Home 2014 Circle of Excellence Award

Tony Marshall, left center, and Peggy Rigsby, right center,
with past Circle of Excellence Award recipients.

On July 10 during FHCA’s 2014 Annual Conference in Orlando, Peggy Rigsby, FHCA Director of Government Affairs, and Tony Marshall, FHCA Senior Director of Reimbursement, were each presented with the 2014 Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award, FHCA’s highest honor.
The Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award is given annually to a member of FHCA who has made significant contributions in the past year and has worked for the growth and development of the Association through the years.  

Peggy Rigsby, FHCA Director of Government Affairs

Peggy Rigsby has dedicated nearly a quarter of a century to Florida Health Care Association. This individual began in long term care back when the agency was known as HRS. Traveling throughout the state, she deepened her knowledge of nursing home and community programs, especially the associated rules and regulations. Nearly 25 years later, she has become the go-to expert when it comes to nursing home regulatory and legislative issues. She is highly regarded by lawmakers, lobbyists and members alike, not only for her vast experience and her incredible knowledge of the issues, but for her determination and drive to get the job done. Peggy has always been a tremendous champion for providers and ensures the voices of long term care residents, staff and providers are heard. She is also an incredible cheerleader for the Florida Health Care PAC and has embraced that role with creativity and enthusiasm.

Tony Marshall, FHCA Senior Director of Reimbursement

Tony Marshall has spent decades advocating for stable funding for our profession. His tremendous knowledge and expertise has been a valuable asset to FHCA. Once referred to as the “top bean counter” at the Capitol, he is always the go-to source when it comes to educating staff at the Agency for Health Care Administration, and legislators and their staff, about the importance of our work and stable funding. He is often known for pulling a rabbit out of a hat and developing creative solutions that have helped providers avoid potential rate cuts. His efforts over the years on issues ranging from rate pass-throughs and interim rate provisions to the quality assessment fee and Medicaid managed care have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars for Florida’s long term care providers. 

Florida Health Care Association’s highest honor, the Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award was initiated in 1972 in honor of a man who was one of the significant forces in the establishment of the Association. Walter M. Johnson served as president of FHCA from 1969-71 and, under his leadership, membership in the Association grew rapidly, and he was instrumental in establishing an effective committee system for legislative, reimbursement and regulatory issues.