The Alabama Nursing Home Association inducted 12 distinguished individuals into the inaugural class of the ANHA Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame during the association’s 75th Anniversary Celebration & Awards Ceremony on September 24 in Montgomery.

Established in 2026 as part of ANHA’s 75th anniversary, the Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and lasting contributions have helped shape the Alabama Nursing Home Association and advance long term care in Alabama.

The inaugural class represents decades of service to residents, caregivers, providers and the profession. Together, the inductees have helped strengthen long term care in Alabama through leadership, advocacy, innovation, mentorship and a commitment to those served by the profession.

2026 ANHA Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame

Clarence M. Ball, Jr.

Clarence Ball formed Ball HealthCare in 1983 with the acquisition of a single skilled nursing facility in Mobile. Guided by a commitment to improving access to quality health care and treating every individual with dignity, compassion and respect, Clarence has built an organization focused on caring for the whole resident.

Under his leadership, Ball HealthCare has grown into one of Alabama’s largest post-acute care providers, operating 11 skilled nursing facilities, an institutional pharmacy, a durable medical equipment company, outpatient therapy programs and 13 affordable housing communities. Together, these services help residents move seamlessly through different levels of care and, when possible, transition home.

A licensed nursing home administrator since 1974, Clarence has also devoted decades to strengthening long term care beyond his own organization. He has served ANHA in numerous leadership capacities, as well as on the Alabama Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators, the Ombudsman Advisory Committee and numerous state and local committees.

In August 2026, Clarence was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame.

Richard Brockman

Richard Brockman has spent more than five decades shaping long term care in Alabama as an administrator, owner, attorney, advocate and trusted adviser. Licensed as a nursing home administrator in 1970, Richard was among the first group to take Alabama’s nursing home administrator examination and today holds the distinction of being the state’s longest actively licensed nursing home administrator.

Richard has owned and operated nursing homes and assisted living facilities and has played an influential role in advancing legislation affecting the profession. His service to ANHA has been equally significant. He served four terms as Association President—in 1982, 2010, 2013 and 2015—and has served on the Executive Committee and as a member of ANHA’s Legal Team.

Throughout his career, Richard has generously shared his legal expertise, institutional knowledge and counsel with ANHA. Still actively involved in Executive Leadership calls, he remains a trusted voice of reason and an invaluable resource on the Association’s history.

Richard’s extraordinary breadth of experience, decades of service and enduring commitment have made him a respected leader in Alabama’s long term care community.

Frank Brown

Frank Brown has devoted nearly 50 years to advancing long term care and advocating for the quality of care and quality of life of Alabama’s nursing home residents. A licensed nursing home administrator since 1978, Frank has also been a tireless advocate before state and federal policymakers on issues affecting residents and providers.

Frank’s service to ANHA is unparalleled. He served nine terms as President and Chairman of the Board—more than any other member in the Association’s history. During his leadership, he helped establish several initiatives that continue to benefit Alabama’s long term care community. He founded the ANHA Education and Research Foundation, now The Louis E. Cottrell, Jr. Foundation for Excellence in Long Term Care, and served as its first chairman. He also helped establish CareComp and a Benevolence Fund to assist facilities and employees affected by natural disasters.

Frank’s leadership also helped advance Medicaid reimbursement legislation and create an LPN scholarship program. A former chairman of the Certificate of Need Review Board, he was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2023.


Carol Knight Bullock

Carol Knight Bullock devoted four decades to skilled nursing and senior living, building a career defined by leadership, growth and a commitment to quality care. Beginning as a dietitian, she continued her education and advanced through increasingly responsible leadership roles, becoming a licensed nursing home administrator in 1980.

Carol served in leadership positions with the Village at Cook Springs and Northport Management before joining Noland Health Services in 2006. As vice president for senior living, she played a key role in Noland’s growth, helping expand its assisted living, specialty care assisted living and skilled nursing operations. In 2017, she became President and CEO, overseeing five long term acute care hospitals and nine senior living communities while continuing to advance clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients and residents.

Carol also served on the ANHA Executive Board, the Cottrell Foundation Board and several state regulatory and health care boards. In 2019, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Department of Senior Services and the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.


J. Norman Estes

Norman Estes continues a family tradition of caring for older adults that began in 1949, when his grandmother, Bertha Estes, opened one of Alabama’s first nursing homes. A third-generation owner and operator, Norman has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1976.

In 1981, he founded Northport Health Services with three nursing facilities. Under his leadership, the organization grew to manage and operate nearly 50 facilities across four states.

Norman’s impact extends throughout Alabama’s long term care profession. He served three terms as ANHA President—in 1985, 1995 and 1999—and helped lead significant changes affecting providers statewide. His leadership included advocating for Medicaid reimbursement changes as new federal requirements were implemented, overseeing a comprehensive update of Alabama’s nursing home rules and regulations, and helping establish ANHA’s Defense Lawyers Group to address emerging legal challenges.

For more than 40 years, Norman has served ANHA in numerous leadership roles. He continues that service as a member of the Executive Committee, sharing his experience and expertise to strengthen the Association and Alabama’s long term care community.

Ann Galloway

Ann Galloway helped lay the foundation for professionalism and excellence in Alabama’s long term care profession. One of the state’s first licensed nursing home administrators, she received her license in 1970 and built a career defined by visionary leadership and dedication to advancing quality care.

In 1983, Ann became the first recipient of ANHA’s Administrator of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to the profession. Three years later, she served as ANHA President, helping guide the Association through a period of growth and advancement.

One of Ann’s most enduring contributions came during her presidency, when she spearheaded ANHA’s partnership with Bishop and Associates to analyze Medicaid cost report data. The initiative gave the Association critical financial information to strengthen its advocacy during Medicaid reimbursement negotiations. Remarkably, that partnership continues to serve ANHA and its members more than four decades later.

A true pioneer, Ann’s foresight, leadership and service have left a lasting impact on ANHA and Alabama’s long term care community.


Benjamin Edward “Eddie” Jackson

Eddie Jackson’s long term care career began while he was in college, buffing floors at night in the maintenance department at Heritage Health Care Center in Tuscaloosa. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he continued working at Heritage, became a licensed nursing home administrator in 1986 and eventually succeeded his father, Rev. George L. Jackson, as Administrator.

Throughout his career, Eddie has remained committed to ensuring residents receive quality care with dignity and respect. His leadership has also had a statewide impact. Eddie served ANHA in numerous leadership roles, including three terms as President in 2004, 2007 and 2012, and is a past Chairman of the Alabama Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.

During his ANHA leadership, Eddie helped establish a Feeding Assistant Program with the Alabama Department of Public Health, advance a Quality Assurance Process and secure additional reimbursement for ventilator-dependent residents.

Through decades of service, advocacy and collaboration, Eddie has remained a steadfast champion for residents, providers and Alabama’s long term care profession.

Joe Kelley

Joe Kelley established Ridgeview and Ridgewood Health Services in 1977, building a family-owned skilled nursing and comprehensive health care organization that has served Alabama for nearly five decades. From the beginning, Joe embraced the belief that every resident deserves exceptional care in a warm, home-like environment that promotes dignity, independence and quality of life.

A licensed nursing home administrator since 1977, Joe has devoted his career to long term care with integrity, compassion and vision. As an active member of ANHA Region IX, he served on numerous committees that helped strengthen the Association and advance the profession.

Often working quietly behind the scenes, Joe has been a dedicated advocate for long term care providers and a mentor to future leaders. He also created a lasting family legacy by instilling his commitment to service, leadership and compassion in his children, Joette and Alicia.

A true pioneer, Joe’s influence is reflected in the enduring success of his organization, the leaders he has mentored and the countless lives touched by his commitment to caring for others.

Pam Penland

Pam Penland has devoted more than 40 years to long term care, beginning her career as an Activity Director, where she developed a passion for improving the quality of life of older adults. That commitment has remained at the heart of her work throughout her career.

A licensed nursing home administrator since 1990, Pam also served as Director of Alabama’s Best Practices Program, promoting collaboration, education and excellence among long term care professionals across the state.

Pam has been an active member of the ANHA Board of Directors for more than 20 years and currently serves as Region IV Director and Chair of the Public Relations Committee. Her leadership has extended throughout the profession, including service as Chair of the Alabama Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators and on the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation Board.

Known for her generosity and willingness to serve, Pam consistently gives her time and talents to help others. Her compassion, faith and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on residents, colleagues, her community and Alabama’s long term care profession.

Bill Hatley (posthumous inductee)

Bill Hatley began his long term care career in 1976 as ANHA’s first legislative liaison, establishing a lifelong commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Association and state policymakers. A licensed nursing home administrator since 1977, Bill later purchased two nursing facilities in Chilton County, ultimately combining them in 1984 to create a modern facility serving the growing community.

Bill remained deeply involved with ANHA throughout his career and served three terms as Association President. His leadership helped advance several initiatives with lasting impact. In 1990, he launched an effort to overhaul Alabama’s Medicaid reimbursement system. In 1996, he commissioned ANHA’s first Economic Impact Study, providing valuable data to demonstrate the importance of nursing homes to Alabama’s economy. And in 2009, he led advocacy efforts opposing proposed Medicare reimbursement cuts.

Bill also served as Chairman of the Alabama Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators and on the CareComp Board. An active ANHA member until his death, Bill’s leadership, advocacy and commitment to long term care continue to benefit providers and residents across Alabama.

Award accepted by wife Mildred Hatley and stepson Lance Bolding.

Joseph William “Billy” Jones, Jr. (posthumous inductee)

Billy Jones dedicated nearly five decades to improving the lives of Alabama’s older adults through leadership, service and a commitment to quality long term care. In 1986, he co-founded Crowne Management and served as President for nearly four decades, helping grow Crowne Health Care to 18 skilled nursing facilities, five assisted living communities and an independent living community.

Billy believed exceptional resident care began with exceptional people. He invested in developing generations of long term care professionals and fostered a culture rooted in compassion, accountability, servant leadership and treating employees like family.

His impact extended throughout Alabama. Billy devoted decades to ANHA, holding every elected office and serving four terms as President. His leadership helped establish the ADPH Informal Dispute Resolution process, advance the “Vote 98” campaign and promote a positive image of nursing homes through the “Alabama Nursing Homes: Places to Live” campaign.

Billy’s legacy lives on through the organizations he helped build, the professionals he mentored and the countless residents whose lives were touched by his commitment to quality care.

Award accepted by son Bryan Jones and daughter Jennifer McInnish.

Patti Wallace (posthumous inductee)

Patti Wallace devoted more than 37 years to long term care as a leader, mentor, pioneer and champion for quality. Beginning her career as a master’s-level social worker, she became a licensed nursing home administrator in 1987 and went on to own and operate five nursing homes, two assisted living facilities, a pharmacy, a medical supply company and four nursing assistant training academies in Alabama.

Patti was also a dedicated ANHA leader, serving for many years as Region VI Director, participating on numerous committees and providing distinguished leadership as Chair of the Facility Standards Committee. She became a driving force in promoting quality improvement among Alabama’s nursing homes and encouraging participation in the AHCA Quality Award program.

Throughout her career, Patti believed exceptional care extended beyond medical needs to creating a supportive, home-like environment that enhanced residents’ overall well-being and quality of life.

Her legacy continues through her son, Chris, and the team she mentored and developed, whose commitment to quality care reflects Patti’s enduring influence on Alabama’s long term care community.

Award accepted by son Chris Schmidt and longtime colleague Libby Alford.

The inductees were formally recognized during ANHA’s 75th Anniversary Celebration & Awards Ceremony, held as part of the 2026 ANHA Annual Convention & Trade Show at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa. Vice Chair Mark Traylor and ANHA CEO Brandon Farmer presented the inductees/their families with their awards.

The inaugural Hall of Fame class reflects the people and leadership that have helped build ANHA’s 75-year legacy. Their contributions have influenced generations of long term care professionals and helped strengthen the care provided to older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Alabama.

ANHA is proud to recognize these 12 individuals as the first members of the ANHA Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame and to preserve their contributions as part of the association’s history.