Former AHCA/NCAL President Paul Willging Loses Battle with Cancer

Paul Willging, the former president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, passed away last Saturday at the age of 69 after losing his battle with cancer, according to an announcement from AHCA/NCAL.

“Paul was a resounding voice for long-term care, paving the way for the future of the profession while spearheading a focus on quality care for our nation’s seniors,” said Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL’s current president and CEO, in a statement. “Those of us at AHCA and in the profession take this time to remember the contributions of this dedicated advocate, as we send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”

Willging served as AHCA’s leader for 16 years. He was also a past president and CEO of the Assisted Living Federation of America and deputy administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

Most recently, Willging was senior associate at The Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health and associate director of the University’s Center on Aging and Health. Willging received a myriad of awards and accolades over his career, such as the Vesta Bowden Award for Outstanding Service to the Long Term Care Industry in 2000.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters. A memorial service for Willging will be held at noon on Friday at The Chapel at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, Md.

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