Daniel Rutherford Wilson is joining the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute as director of federal affairs.

For 25 years, PHI has worked with eldercare and disability service providers, policymakers and advocates throughout the country in an effort 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. Wilson brings more than a decade of experience leading efforts to advance federal policy that betters the lives of disenfranchised older Americans.

Most recently. Wilson 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, he 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 healthcare 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 and is a co-chair of the 2016 Aging in America Conference 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.”