American HealthCare, LLC. CEO receives the VHCA James G. Dunton Distinguished Service Award for Life Achievement

With the highest integrity and a commitment to residents, everyone will agree that this year’s winner of the Dunton Award is deserving of the recognition of a life and career given in service to others. 

Tommy East has been an active VHCA-VCAL member for many years. This individual has served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and also been an involved committee member, including the Board and Owners Committee.   

Throughout a remarkable career, this individual has been an advocate for the industry, residents, and staff. This leader has championed many initiatives on behalf of VHCA-VCAL and the American Health Care Association/National Association for Assisted Living with the understanding that supporting these organizations and their objectives can lead to the greater good for residents and providers.

He is praised for high moral and ethical standards and building a great culture in all the organizations he has been associated with and led. He has taken on increasingly challenging roles and responsibilities demonstrating a rare combination of technical expertise, relational excellence, and leadership. This individual is instrumental in teaching and preparing others on how to make a difference for the ones who trust us to take care of their loved ones. He is an inspiration and example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.

He is genuine in his approach to providing leadership and offers constructive guidance to those who want to be in the long term care profession. He knows it is not an easy task but offers encouragement and reinforces the true reason for the job – to provide quality care to the residents. He values each employee and their respective position. He knows it takes everyone to make a successful team that accomplishes goals that bring positive outcomes.

Mr. East had a lengthy tenure at a large continuing care retirement community where he served in various roles of increasing responsibility in the nursing center. During that time, he began his studies to obtain a bachelor’s degree after promising a devoted mentor he would continue his education. He strived to fulfill his responsibilities of his work commitment while applying himself to finish his education. 

With that degree proudly in hand, our honoree now works with a leadership group that oversees the daily operations of multiple nursing facilities across Virginia leading a team of over 2,000 individuals. He has applied his experience and wisdom to successfully run the organization and support the staff in their responsibilities of providing quality care and services to the residents. He has led the company to increased revenue growth and numerous National Quality Awards. He continues to focus on quality improvements to enhance the lives of the residents in long term care.

His personal goal is to build and lead a team of compassionate individuals with a family culture to provide quality services to the senior population. Creating a family environment is important for both residents and staff. His primary focus has been to provide first-rate care and service to the company’s residents with the belief that positive results will follow. His approach has been vindicated. He attends to the smallest detail to make a resident’s stay a positive experience. In one facility, he subscribed to the SEC channel so a Georgia Bulldog fan could revel in their recent run of success. 

He has also been a driving force behind the success of the VHCA Political Action Committee. He has led the PAC’s fundraising committee for many years and challenged his peers to commit to contributing to this important arm of our advocacy efforts. Outside of the association, Governor Terry McAuliffe appointed him to serve on the Virginia Board of Health. In 2018, he was reappointed by Governor Ralph Northam to serve a second term on this key oversight entity. His work has made a real difference in Virginia and beyond, raising the profile of this critical sector of the health care continuum.

For his high character and an ever-present commitment to living out the mission, “Our Family Exists to Care for Yours”, VHCA is honored to announce that Tommy East of American HealthCare is our 2023 James G. Dunton Distinguished Service Award Winner.