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PHI Names Daniel Rutherford Wilson to Direct Federal Policy Program

September 17, 2015

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Bronx, NY — PHI (Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute), a national nonprofit organization that works to transform eldercare and disability services, is pleased to announce that Daniel Rutherford Wilson is joining its staff as the director of federal affairs.

For 25 years, PHI has worked with eldercare and disability service providers, policymakers, and advocates throughout the country to improve the quality of both care and jobs through workforce and curriculum development, coaching and consulting services, policy advocacy, and research on direct-care trends. PHI is the nation's premier expert on the direct-care workforce.

Wilson brings more than a decade of experience leading efforts to advance federal policy that betters the lives of disenfranchised older Americans. Most recently he served as the national and federal programs director at Compassion & Choices, a national organization that protects and expands end-of-life options. For 10 years, Wilson was the executive director of policy and program development at the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, where he worked on federal issues related to housing, employment, and health care for low-income, black older adults. Wilson has also held positions as a public affairs officer with the Office of Management and Budget and staff assistant for U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. A respected national advocate on aging and long-term care issues, Daniel is also a co-chair of the 2016 "Aging in America Conference," the premier annual gathering for aging professionals, sponsored by the American Society on Aging.

"We are delighted Daniel Wilson is joining PHI to represent the voices of direct-care workers in Washington and ensure that paid caregivers receive the compensation, training, and supports they need to provide the quality care we all deserve," said Robert Espinoza, PHI vice president of policy. "Daniel's wealth of experience and dedication to advocating for older Americans will be a tremendous asset to PHI’s renowned policy and research program. He arrives at a pivotal time when members of Congress and other federal officials are grappling with ensuring that our long-term care system has the necessary workforce to support millions of older adults and people with disabilities."

PHI's policy agenda stands at the intersection of low-income workforce development and eldercare/disability services, focusing on improving wages, health coverage, and training and credentialing for the direct-care workforce, and advocating for state workforce monitoring, better support for consumer direction programs, payment policy reform, and advanced roles for aides. Most recently, PHI worked with various national advocates to ensure that our country's 2 million home care workers receive minimum wage and overtime protections, a reality made possible by a 2013 rule published by the U.S. Department of Labor and an August 2015 decision by the DC District Court of Appeals.

"I'm excited to join PHI and lead its timely and essential federal policy agenda in support of the direct-care workforce and, ultimately, the quality of care for older adults and people with disabilities," said Wilson.

Daniel Wilson will be based in PHI's Washington, DC office beginning September 21.

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PHI (Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute) works to transform eldercare and disability services. We foster dignity, respect, and independence — for all who receive care, and all who provide it. The nation's leading authority on the direct-care workforce, PHI promotes quality direct-care jobs as the foundation for quality care (www.PHInational.org).

Deane Beebe, PHI Media Relations Director; 718-928-2033 (office); 646-285-1039 

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