Scott Wiley to Lead Ohio Health Care Association Amid Sector Crisis

COLUMBUS, Ohio – January 07, 2026 – The Ohio Health Care Association (OHCA) has appointed Scott D. Wiley, CAE, a seasoned executive known for policy influence and organizational transformation, as its new chief executive officer. The unanimous board appointment, effective this month, comes as Ohio’s long-term care sector confronts a confluence of unprecedented challenges, including severe workforce shortages, rising operational costs, and the escalating needs of an aging population.

Wiley steps into the leadership role for the state's largest long-term care association, which represents nearly 1,200 assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, home care providers, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. His selection, following a rigorous search that vetted nearly 100 candidates, signals a strategic move by OHCA to install a leader with a proven record of navigating complex legislative environments and driving industry-wide innovation.

“Scott's leadership, depth of expertise with policy and proven track record building coalitions is just what we're looking for to ensure stability, innovation and growth for the members of the Ohio Health Care Association now and into the future,” said Shayne Craycraft, OHCA board chair, in a statement. “Scott's unique understanding of trade associations and his ability to bring members, business leaders and policymakers together will provide strength for OHCA during a pivotal time.”

A Proven Architect of Change

Wiley brings over two decades of experience leading prominent member-based organizations, most notably his transformative tenure as President and CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA). For more than a decade, he led initiatives that reshaped the state's accounting industry, setting national standards for innovation. At OSCPA, Wiley spearheaded a bold advocacy agenda, collaborating with the DeWine Administration and the Ohio General Assembly to deliver major tax reforms, reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses, and advance critical workforce development programs.

His leadership was instrumental in positioning the accounting profession to meet modern demands. He championed digital transformation, making OSCPA the first state CPA society to launch a successful online learning platform and approve flexible “nano learning” for credit. These efforts not only enhanced member value but also strengthened Ohio's economic competitiveness. His strategic vision also led to a quadrupling of fundraising revenue for the organization’s foundation.

More recently, as CEO of CoreNet Global, an international association for corporate real estate executives, Wiley guided the organization through a period of significant evolution. He was tasked with implementing a future-focused strategy to create greater value for its nearly 10,000 members across more than 40 countries, particularly as the industry grappled with the impacts of AI, climate tech, and new workplace models.

His influence extends across the association landscape. A Fellow and past Board Chair of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Wiley is a recognized leader among his peers, having earned accolades such as a place on Ohio Business magazine's 'Ohio 500' list for his influence on the state's future.

Navigating a Sector at a Crossroads

The phrase “pivotal time” used by the OHCA board is no exaggeration. Ohio’s long-term care system is under immense strain. With 18.7% of its residents aged 65 or older—a figure higher than the national average—the demand for care is surging. Yet, the supply of qualified caregivers is dwindling at an alarming rate. For nearly two years, over 35% of Ohio’s nursing facilities have reported personnel shortages, consistently exceeding national averages. A recent survey indicating nearly 40% of the state’s nurses plan to leave the field within five years highlights the depth of the crisis.

This workforce instability is compounded by financial pressures. Inflation and labor costs have driven up the price of care, while facilities argue that Medicaid reimbursement rates have failed to keep pace, threatening the financial viability of many providers. At the same time, post-pandemic Medicaid eligibility redeterminations are projected to reduce enrollment, potentially leaving vulnerable Ohioans without coverage. These factors have contributed to Ohio’s ranking of 32nd nationally in AARP’s 2023 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) State Scorecard, which noted particular weaknesses in support for family caregivers.

In response, state policymakers have begun debating significant legislative actions. Proposals like the “Nurse Workforce and Safe Patient Care Act” aim to establish minimum staffing standards, while other bills seek to reform Medicaid rate-setting to better reflect the true cost of care. It is within this complex and high-stakes policy arena that Wiley’s advocacy experience will be immediately tested.

A Bold Vision for Advocacy and Member Value

The OHCA board has made it clear that Wiley’s appointment is a strategic bet on his ability to replicate his past successes in this new, challenging environment. Greg Miller, the executive search committee chair, noted that Wiley was the unanimous choice because of his “bold vision for championing OHCA's role within the industry.” This vision involves “strengthening and leveraging OHCA's partnerships, investing in new collaborations and leaning into his demonstrated ability to impact the broader community.”

Wiley’s mandate will be twofold: to powerfully advocate for the industry in the halls of government and to deliver tangible value to a diverse membership base. His background at OSCPA, where he successfully championed legislative reforms while simultaneously reinventing member education and engagement, provides a clear blueprint. He will be expected to unify the voices of assisted living communities, home care agencies, and skilled nursing facilities to present a cohesive front on critical issues like Medicaid funding, workforce development programs, and regulatory reform.

His arrival comes as the state rolls out new tools like the Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator, an initiative born from the Governor's Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force to improve transparency for consumers. Wiley will be tasked with ensuring that OHCA and its members are not just participants in these changes but are actively shaping the future of quality, access, and sustainability in long-term care. As the new leader of an association supporting over 100,000 professionals, his leadership will directly impact the quality of life for countless older Ohioans and their families.