The state’s powerful nursing home association has named a Florida industry leader as its new president and CEO.

Tony Marshall will take over the Georgia Health Care Association positions that have been vacant since Jon Howell resigned May 1.

At the time of Howell’s resignation, the trade group said he was stepping down “to preserve the unity of the statewide association.”

Marshall comes to GHCA from the Florida Health Care Association in Tallahassee, where he served as senior director of reimbursement and a member of the group’s senior leadership team. 

“Marshall’s breadth of long-term care experience will provide one of the greatest impacts to GHCA, its members, and the people it serves throughout Georgia’s communities,” Norma Jean Morgan, chairman of the GHCA board of directors, said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing the progress and success that he will most certainly bring to this organization.”

When Howell announced in April that he was quitting, it was clear there was discord within the Georgia Health Care Association. But the trade group would not explain the nature of the disagreement.

“The board accepted . . .  [Howell’s resignation] with regret,’’ said a statement from William Davis, chairman of GHCA’s board at that time.

A spokesman for GHCA told Georgia Health News in April that there was “a difference of opinion on an internal policy matter.”

The Georgia Health Care Association has more than 370 members who serve more than 73,000 individuals annually.

Marshall said in a statement last week announcing his selection:

“It is with tremendous enthusiasm and gratitude that I take on a leadership role for such a well-established organization like GHCA. I have the deepest respect for GHCA’s board, its associates and members, and will use my experience and knowledge to successfully navigate the myriad of issues facing the long-term care profession.”

Bill Phelan served as GHCA interim executive director during the selection process. Phelan will return to Florida, his home state.