Richard Curtis, MS, RN, HACP
President and Chief Executive Officer
Richard (Rick) Curtis is the Chief Executive Officer for CIHQ. Rick is nationally recognized as an expert on the Medicare Conditions of Participation and the CMS Certification & Survey Process. As CEO, he successfully guided CIHQ in becoming the nation's 4th CMS approved deeming authority for acute care hospitals as well as critical access and inpatient psychiatric hospitals.
Rick's clinical background is in critical care nursing with a focus in cardiovascular and trauma service lines. He has held both clinical and executive management level positions in Quality, Risk, Education, Infection Control, and Regulatory Compliance.
Rick is a regular speaker at numerous state and national conferences on the CMS Survey & Certification Process and is host of CIHQ's popular monthly webinars addressing key compliance challenges in today's environment.
Rick is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation and serves as Chair of the Board of Examiners for the Healthcare Accreditation Certification Program (HACP). Rick has a degree in Nursing with a master’s degree in health services administration.
Traci Curtis, BA, RCP, HACP
Chief Operating Officer
Traci Curtis is the Chief Operating Officer for CIHQ. Traci has more than 32 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Traci's clinical background is in respiratory care. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions at the corporate and facility level in Respiratory Services, Regulatory Compliance, Quality, Risk, Infection Control and Education. Prior to joining CIHQ, Traci served as the Executive Director of Quality for a large regional medical center, providing executive management oversight in the areas of quality, risk, medical staff credentialing, and patient relations.
Traci joined CIHQ in 2007 as a Generalist Lead Surveyor and in 2011 was promoted to her executive level position. Currently she oversees the accreditation division for hospitals, freestanding emergency centers, urgent care centers and congregate living health facilities, as well as business development and marketing.
Traci received her degree in respiratory science from Pima Institute in Tucson Arizona. She pursued further education at Dallas Baptist University. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP) and serves on the Board of Examiners for the Healthcare Accreditation Certification Program.
William Kinch, MHA, HACP-PE
Senior Facility Specialist
William (Billy) Kinch is the Senior Facility Specialist for CIHQ/ARS. Billy has more than 25 years of experience specializing in environmental health and safety and facility operations.
Billy’s background includes Education, Environment of Care, Emergency Preparedness, Life Safety, Regulatory Compliance and Security. Prior to joining CIHQ, Billy served as the Safety Officer for a major health system in North Texas.
Billy joined CIHQ in 2014 as a Facility Specialist Surveyor and was promoted to his leadership role in 2019. Billy is host to the ARS monthly webinars related to Life Safety Code, Physical Environment, and Emergency Preparedness. He also provides standards interpretation as well as oversight of policies, tools and forms provided to clients via the ARS Resource Library and Staff Training Library. Billy is the author of the HACP-Physical Environment certification and performs training on this subject.
Billy received his associate of science degree in Business Administration from South Plains College and subsequently was awarded his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Wayland Baptist University and then a Master’s of Healthcare Administration degree from University of Phoenix. He currently holds certifications for the HACP in both the Physical Environment and CMS.
Debra Benson, MA
Program Administrator
Debbie oversees both front and back-office operations for the organization and administers the Healthcare Accreditation Certification Program (HACP) for regulatory professionals, and manages and supports the ARS Consulting Division.
Debbie joined CIHQ in 2008. Prior to joining CIHQ, Debbie was the executive assistant to the senior management team of a large company.
Debbie received her Bachelor degree in Business Science and her Master's degree in Organizational Behavior from National University.
Allen Lowe
Chief IT Officer
Allen Lowe is the Chief IT Officer for CIHQ. Allen is responsible for the overall provision of CIHQ’ web-based services and database management systems.
Allen has over 30 years of progressive experience in information technology. Prior to joining CIHQ, Allen worked as the network site administrator for a national company located in northern CA.
Allen received his degree in information technology from Ohlone College and is proficient in Linux-based systems and server database construction and maintenance.
Michelle Shaffer, M.DEHS, LSLS AVED
Director of Business/Program Development
Michelle is the Director of Business/Program Development for CIHQ. Michelle has more than 20 years of career experience.
Michelle’s background is in program development, project management, marketing, advertising, event planning, fundraising, clinic/home health treatment plan/development and education. Prior to joining CIHQ, Michelle served as the regional Deaf Education Teacher providing program development and implementation across multiple independent school districts, including goal setting, use of data, grant writing and relationship management.
Michelle joined CIHQ in 2021 to assist the company with outreach, growth and development. In her role, Michelle will support all divisions of CIHQ/ARS/HACP. She also assists the accreditation division with account management and representation.
Michelle received her Bachelor from University of Texas San Antonio and a Master’s degree from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed her Master of Business Administration with Southern New Hampshire University in 2023. She also holds Project Management certifications from Collin College and UC Irvine.
Surveyors
April McLain, MBA, RN, HACP
Surveyor
April McLain is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. April has more than 38 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
April’s clinical background is in nursing. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Nursing, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Management, and as an Independent Consultant. Prior to joining CIHQ, April served as an Administrative Director of Quality and Patient Safety in a multi-hospital system and also served as a surveyor for The Joint Commission.
April joined CIHQ in 1014 as a sub-contracted Generalist Surveyor and became a full-time Lead Surveyor in 2015. April’s role expanded to include the oversight of standards interpretation, mock survey report review and document management for ARS and participates in surveyor education and training. April's current role includes conducting follow-up, complaint and extension surveys on a part-time basis.
April received her degree in Nursing from Marion Technical College and subsequently received both her Bachelor degree in Healthcare Administration and her Master’s degree in Business administration from Franklin University. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP).
Connie Compton, BS, RRT, HACP-CMS, CJCP, CPHQ, HACP-IC
Surveyor
Connie Compton is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Connie has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Connie’s clinical background is in respiratory care. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Respiratory Services, Medical Staff Education, Accreditation, and Patient Safety. Prior to joining CIHQ, Connie was the Accreditation Coordinator/Safety Compliance Officer for the Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.
Connie joined CIHQ in 2015 as a Generalist Lead Surveyor. Connie’s role expanded to include oversight of standards interpretation, review of post-survey corrective action plans, research and development of documents and alerts provided via Accreditation Resource Services (ARS), article research and development for the CIHQ Journal, author and instructor for the HACP-IC preparatory course and serves on the Board of Examiners for the Healthcare Accreditation Certification Program (HACP).
Connie received her Associates degree in Respiratory Science from Southwest Virginia Community College and subsequently received her Bachelor degree in Healthcare Administration from King University. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP) for both CMS and IC. Additionally, she was among the nation’s first to be certified as a Joint Commission Professional (CJCP) and has achieved certification in healthcare quality (CPHQ).
Don Roush, CPE, CHFM, HACP, CLSS-HC
Facility Specialist
Don Roush is a Facility Specialist for CIHQ/ARS. Don has more than 30 years of experience specializing in healthcare facilities operations.
Don’s background includes Engineering, Maintenance, Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness. He has held both corporate and executive management positions in Facilities Engineering, Construction, Grounds, Security, Clinical Engineering Environmental Services, Telecommunications and Nutrition Services. Prior to joining CIHQ, Don was the sole proprietor of Management Success, a company that provided consulting services for all aspects of facility operations.
Don joined CIHQ in 2017 as a Facility Specialist Surveyor. He also provides oversight of policies, tools and forms provided to clients via the ARS Resource Library as well as participated in standards interpretation.
Don received his Bachelor degree in Business Management from Capital University and subsequently was awarded his Master’s degree in Health Service Administration from Central Michigan University. He also holds certifications for CPE (Certified Plant Engineer), Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM), Certified Life Safety Specialist-Health Care (CLSS-HC), -Stationary Engineer.
Gina Miller, MSN, RN, HACP
Surveyor
Gina Miller is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Gina has more than 40 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Gina’s clinical background is in nursing with a focus on emergency medicine. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Nursing, Case Management, Quality and Regulatory Compliance. Prior to joining CIHQ, Gina served as the Director of Quality & Outcomes Management at Pomerene Hospital providing oversight of regulatory compliance, quality, infection prevention and medical staff.
Gina joined CIHQ in 2017 as a Generalist Surveyor and became a Lead Surveyor in 2018. She participates in the research and development of documents and alerts that are provided via Accreditation Resource Services (ARS)
Gina received her BSN from Alderson-Broaddus University and MSN from Western Governor’s University. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP).
Paula Barnes, MBA, BSN, RN, HACP
Surveyor
Paula Barnes is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Paula has 29 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Paula’s clinical background is in nursing with a focus on emergency and intensive care medicine. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Nursing, Quality and Regulatory Compliance. Prior to joining CIHQ, Paula served as a Corporate Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation Specialist providing regulatory consultation services for a large healthcare system in Eastern NC.
Paula joined CIHQ in 2019 as a Generalist Surveyor. She participated in the development and maintenance of resource documents provided by Accreditation Resource Services (ARS).
Paula received her BSN from East Carolina University MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP) for both CMS and IC.
Russell Cole
Facility Specialist
Russell is a life safety specialist consultant for CIHQ. Russ has more than 41 years of experience in fire and life safety as well as facility engineering.
Russ’ background includes Fire, Life Safety, Education and Emergency Preparedness. He has held executive management positions in both city and countywide fire protections districts serving as Battalion Chief, Fire Marshall, Chief Fire Investigator, and Incident Command Team member at both a state and national level. Currently, Russ is the President of Cole Fire Protection Services, Inc. providing inspections and consultations services.
Russell joined CIHQ in 2011 as a Facility Specialist Surveyor. Russell received his Associates degree in Fire Technology from Oxnard College in Oxnard, California. He has also been an instructor in fire technology at Oxnard Community College in Oxnard, California. He also holds a C-16 Fire Sprinkler contractor license with the State of California for the inspection, testing and installation of fire protection systems.
Paula Sims, MSHA, BSN, RN, CPHQ, CLSSBB, HACP
Surveyor
Paula Sims is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Paula has more than 38 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Paula’s clinical background is in nursing with a focus on Emergency Medicine. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Nursing, Employee Health, Quality, Infection Control and Regulatory Compliance. Prior to joining CIHQ, Paula served as the Corporate Chief Nursing Officer Trusted Medical Centers providing oversight of Nursing, Performance Improvement, Employee Health, Infection Control and Regulatory Compliance. Paula also served as the Divisional Director of Clinical Services for a large emergency physician group.
Paula joined CIHQ in 2021 as a Generalist Surveyor. She participates in the maintenance of resources provided via Accreditation Resource Services (ARS).
Paula received her Bachelor and Master degrees in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. Paula is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP) and holds a Certified Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB) in Performance Improvement. She is also APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control) certified and is a member of the ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives)
Malcolm Field, CHFM, CPE, HACP-PE
Facility Specialist
Malcolm Field is a Facility Specialist for CIHQ/ARS. Malcolm has more than 36 years of experience specializing in healthcare facilities operations.
Malcolm’s background includes Engineering, Maintenance, Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness. He has held both corporate and executive management position in Facility Engineering, Construction, Grounds, Security and Environmental Services and Emergency Preparedness. Prior to joining CIHQ, Malcolm served as the Regional Director of Facility Management for Universal Health Systems providing oversight of 22 hospitals with regard to regulatory compliance and facility operations including the development of staff training and education programs.
Malcolm joined CIHQ in 2020 as a Facility Specialist Surveyor. He also participated in development of policies, tools and forms provided to clients via the ARS Resource Library.
Malcolm received a HND Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Teesside University – United Kingdom. He is certified by American Facilities Engineering Association (AFE) as a Plant Engineer and holds his ASHE Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM).
Ann Martin, MSN, RN, HACP
Surveyor
Ann Martin is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Ann has more than 42 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Ann’s clinical background is in nursing with a focus on Pediatric, Geriatric, Cardiac and Orthopedics. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Nursing, Patient Safety, Quality and Regulatory Compliance. Prior to joining CIHQ, Ann served as the Patient Safety and Accreditation Specialist for Great River Health System providing leadership in quality, safety and accreditation.
Ann joined CIHQ in 2021 as a Generalist Survey. She participates in the development and maintenance of resource documents provided by Accreditation Resource Services (ARS).
Ann obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chamberlain College of Nursing. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP) for both CMS and IC.
Jessica Wisdom, LPC
Surveyor
Jessica Wisdom is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Jessica has more than 18 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Jessica’s clinical background is in counseling/psychology with a focus in community mental health. She has held clinical as well as executive management positions in Counseling, Regulatory Compliance, Quality, Risk Education, and Infection Control. Prior to joining CIHQ, Jessica served as the Chief Clinical Integration Officer for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Jessica joined CIHQ in 2023 as a sub-contracted Psychiatric/Generalist Surveyor. Jessica’s role also includes participation in the research and development of documents and alerts that are provided via Accreditation Resource Services (ARS).
Jessica received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She is working on earning her national certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP).
Jennifer Crook, RN, CPHRM, HACP-CMS, HACP-PE
Surveyor
Jennifer Crook is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Jennifer’s clinical background is in critical care with a focus in emergency medicine, intensive care, interventional radiology and cardiac catheterization laboratory. She has held both clinical and executive management level positions in Quality, Risk, Education, Infection Control and Regulatory Compliance.
Jennifer joined CIHQ in 2024 as a Generalist Surveyor. Her role also includes participation in the research and development of documents and alerts that are provided via Accreditation Resource Services (ARS).
Jennifer received a nursing degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. She is nationally certified in health accreditation (HACP) for both CMS and PE.
Carrie Levake, RN, BSN
Surveyor
Carrie Levake is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Carrie has more than 28 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Carrie’s clinical background is in nursing with a focus in Acute Care, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. She has held both clinical and executive management level positions in Quality, Patient Advocacy, Infection Control, Laboratory and Regulatory Compliance. Prior to joining CIHQ in 2024, Carrie served as a State Health Surveyor providing oversight of state and federal regulatory compliance across multiple healthcare facilities.
Carrie joined CIHQ in 2024 as a Generalist Surveyor. She participates in the research and development of documents and alerts that are provided via Accreditation Resource Services (ARS).
Carrie received her nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. She is currently obtaining her national certification in healthcare accreditation (HACP).
Hilda Gilmore, LVN, HACP-CMS
Surveyor
Hilda Gilmore is a Generalist Surveyor for CIHQ/ARS. Gilda has more than 28 years of experience in healthcare including regulatory compliance and survey preparation.
Hilda’s clinical background is in nursing with a focus in patient safety and regulatory compliance. She has held both clinical and executive management level positions in Quality, Risk, Education, Infection Control, and Regulatory Compliance.
Hilda joined CIHQ in 2024 as a Generalist Surveyor. Her role also includes participation in research and development of documents and alerts that are provided via Accreditation Resource Service (ARS).
Hilda received her degree in Nursing from Texas State Technical Institute in Sweetwater, Texas. She is nationally certified in healthcare accreditation (HACP) CMS.
Michael Jones, BA, HACP-PE, HACP-CMS, HACP-IC
Facility Specialist
Michael is a Facility Specialist for CIHQ/ARS. Michael has more than 18 years of experience specializing in healthcare facilities operations.
Michaels’s background includes Emergency Medical Services. He has held positions in Facilities Engineering, Construction, Grounds, Security, and Clinical Engineering Environmental Services.
Michael joined CIHQ in 2024 as a Facility Specialist Surveyor. He participates in the research and development of policies, tools and forms provided to clients via the ARS Resource Library.
Michael received his bachelor’s degree in leadership, Education and Communications from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. He currently holds certifications for the HACP in Physical Environment, Infection Control, and CMS.
