Steedley makes room for Letizia

WASHINGTON - Robert Steedley handed over the reins to John Letizia during the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference this week.

Steedley said one of his goals as chairman of AAHomecare's board of directors was leaving the association better off than he found it, something he says he feels he accomplished by helping to build a “dynamic staff” and “getting some legislation passed.”

“I'm more committed, more energized now than when I took over two years ago,” said Steedley, president of Barnes Healthcare Services in Valdosta, Ga.

AAHomecare thanked Steedley for his service, including a recent testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee Health Subcommittee, with a crystal mini-Capitol Hill, socks and cuff links.

Steedley's parting words for the industry: “This association is powerful. Our numbers may be small, but our mission is huge, and we're poised to be successful.”

Letizia, formerly vice chairman of AAHomecare's board and chairman of its Complex Rehab & Mobility Council, said one of his goals is to shepherd more providers into being active in the industry and in the association.

“I wasn't always involved,” said Letizia, president of Laurel Medical Solutions in Ebensburg, Penn., and an ATP. “I always assumed someone was representing our interests. Then one day I realized that person was me.”

Later Letizia, who got his start in an independent pharmacy at the ripe old age of 8, said, “I have an open door to any of you to talk about the association.”

In welcoming Letizia, Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare said, “A new boss is now in town.”

Robert Steedley, chairman of AAHomecare's board of directors, testified during a congressional hearing on May 19 on improving competition in the Medicare program.