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Tom Coble has been elected chairman of the American Health Care Association’s Board of Governors, the organization announced Wednesday.

Coble, who most recently served as the board’s vice chairman, was elected to the board in 2011. He began in the long-term care industry in 1993, and is currently the president and CEO of Elmbrook Management Company, which operates six skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility in southeastern Oklahoma.

In a press call Wednesday, Coble said he looks forward to leading AHCA during what he calls a “tremendous” time for the group. He said his main focus for his term will be continuing the work of the board members, especially chairmen, who came before him.

“I think I have the opportunity to extend the work that under Neil Pruitt’s leadership, the quality and the effort that was done, along with the payment reform efforts that were led by Len Russ,” Coble said. “By marrying those two together, it allows us to create a platform so that long-term care providers can participate in the new payment models.”

Christian Mason was also announced as the new chair for the National Center for Assisted Living. Mason is the president and CEO of Oregon-based Senior Housing Managers.

The newly elected members of the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors were announced at AHCA’s annual convention, which concluded Wednesday in San Antonio.