The Direct Care Alliance, which was started about ten years ago by PHI and spun off as a separate 501(c)(3) in 2006, took a final step toward independence on April 18 when it elected a strong new board of directors.
The DCA also made history that day, electing John Booker (pictured at left) chairman of the board. Booker is a CNA, which makes him one of the first direct-care workers - maybe the very first - to chair a national organization.
Booker, whose term in office began today, has served on the DCA board since it started. For the last two years, he was its vice chair. “The DCA is one of the only organizations that has really put direct-care workers in a position of power, with members of the board mentoring and training workers,” he says.
The strength of the DCA, Booker says, is its ability to bring together the three main constituent groups in long-term care: consumers, employers, and workers. “Policymakers don’t want to hear from three constituencies. They want to hear from one constituency, and the Direct Care Alliance is one of only organizations in the country that brings the perspective of all three constituencies to the table,” he says. “That’s why I am so happy to be the new chair of the DCA. I bring a fresh perspective to the leadership - the perspective of a direct-care worker.”
Booker is founder and president of both the National Association for Direct Care Workers of Color and the Indiana Caregivers Association. He is currently working as a home care aide.
“John Booker has been a crucial partner in the development of the DCA and its vision of Quality Care through Quality Jobs for the last decade,” says DCA Executive Director Leonila Vega. “John possesses the wisdom and experience to make a difference as we advocate for and work with others to bring about urgent change to our long-term care system, and to ensure that direct-care work is valued and respected.
“I congratulate John and the DCA board for reaching this important milestone, and I look forward to working with John and the newly elected leadership to continue to nurture the DCA’s voice and advocacy profile.”
The other new DCA board officers are:
- Vice Chair Vera Salter, a former PHI staffer who was the first director of PHI’s National Clearinghouse on the Direct Care Workforce.
- Secretary Jenn Craigue, a direct-care worker and the founder of the New Hampshire Direct Care Worker Association.
- Treasurer Clari Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Operations at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in the Bronx.
The newly elected at-large members are Jane Lipscomb, director of the Center for Excellence in Occupational and Environmental Health and Justice at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing; Laurie Powers, professor of social work at the Portland State University Graduate School; and Judy Clinco, president of Catalina In-Home Care Services and founder of the Arizona Direct Caregiver Association.
Elise Nakhnikian, Senior Online Editor
enakhnikian@phinational.org
Congratulations to John. I am very excited to see this. I had the honor of serving on the oriiginal steering committee for DCA and then on it’s board for a few years, thereby having the pleasure of knowing John. He is a bright and competent man who will do a great job as chair. What a pleasure to see the DCA continuing to evolve and be so true to it’s mission!
I feel extremely proud to have met John and work closely with him to forge the independence of the DCA. I feel very fortunate and pleased that the DCA continues to make history! The DCA’s new Executive Committee is a very strong and well balanced team that reflects DCA’s core philosophy of engaging employers, direct care workers, elders and persons with disabilities in all of our activities.
I am soo looking forward to the DCA’s future.
Congratulations to John and the DCA. John’s election to this position is one of the best pieces of news I’ve heard in some time. The world is a better place for John being in it, and the DCA will no doubt continue to evolve in exciting ways with his energies and wisdom.
I only met John once several years ago at a conference in DC - and he left a deep and lasting impression on me. Hmm — can we clone you, John?
I am excited that DCA has moved a step closer to systematic change for Direct Care Workers and the people we serve, and as a DCA board member,I’m very happy to see this position filled by a DCW who has the knowledge and wisdom to make things brighter for workers. Much sucess to you. I look forward to working with you. Congratulations John!
Sincerely;
Lorrene Maynard
Virginia
Congratulations to a fellow South Bender and friend!
John will provide strong and effective leadership as the Board Chair. He’ll bring the grassroots perspective. Make it happen!
Congratulations, Mr. Chairman!
What a wonderful appointment for such a profoundly dedicated, highly committed and responsive person! You will do well. You have this uncanny ability to apply a rationale sense of fairness in everything that you do. Continue to use your unusual ability to notice ….
what many of us overlook. You make us proud, my friend.
Congradulations John. I met John for the first time when he came to Iowa for the DCA Conference hosted here in Des Moines. I had heard of his committment to CNA issues thru Di (ICA)as she has known him for several years. There is much to be done. Best wishes.
Lin Salasberry, CNA
ICA Leadership Council Member
Iowa
Congratualtions John! It has been such a joy to watch you grow into such an effective and passionate leader. I know that you will take DCA to its next level of advocacy for direct care workers.
Congratulations John! It is refreshing to have a direct care worker serve as Chair of Direct Care Alliance. I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job and be a fair, hard working leader. I look forward to helping you and Leonila Vega as we forge ahead into a strong future.
John Booker,
Wow! Your passion, vision, and leadership will serve the DCA and its constituents well.
Congratulations
Patsy Harris