HCCI Leadership
Matt Pickering
Executive Director
Matt Pickering
Matt became Executive Director of HCCI in January of 2021. He is the Founder and President of Pickering & Associates and has been a health care lobbyist in Illinois for 20 years. He began his career as an assistant to David Wilhelm, the former Chair of the Democratic National Committee and President Bill Clinton’s campaign manager. Matt is a graduate of DePaul University.
Ron Nunziato Senior Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Ron Nunziato
Before joining HCCI, Ron served as CEO of Extended Care Consulting, which provides clinical and financial consulting for skilled nursing and rehabilitative facilities in the Midwest. Previously, Ron was Vice President of Operators for S.I.R. Management, a consultancy for skilled nursing, rehabilitative and psychiatric rehabilitation facilities.
Ron serves on the Board of Advisors for the Illinois Department of Public Health and is a former member of the Regulatory Committee of the American Health Care Association.
Ron received a his undergraduate degrees in Medical Technology and Management and Behavioral Sciences from Lewis University and his Master’s degree in Human Services Administration from Spertus College.
Cheryl HahnDirector of Education & Quality
Cheryl Hahn
Cheryl Hahn, LNHA, serves as HCCI’s Director of Education & Quality, bringing two decades of healthcare leadership to her role. With a deep commitment to advancing educational initiatives, Cheryl drives the expansion of HCCI’s education program and leads the planning of our inaugural convention, set to debut in 2026.
Her extensive career includes 20 years at a top-tier skilled nursing facility in Illinois, where she thrived in diverse roles—spanning business office management, human resources, admissions, and marketing—before serving as Administrator for nine years. During her tenure, the facility maintained a prestigious 5-star rating, reflecting her unwavering dedication to excellence. Cheryl later honed her expertise as a Senior Consultant with Achieve Accreditation for two years, guiding skilled nursing facilities to secure and maintain Joint Commission accreditation.
Beyond her professional achievements, she resides in Wauconda, Illinois, with her husband, where they enjoy life with their three children and four grandchildren.
Lindsey HessCommunications Director
Lindsey Hess
Lindsey joined HCCI in February 2022 as Communications Director. In this role, she manages media relations, social media, and internal communications. Lindsey formerly served as spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Corrections, where she was tasked with developing and implementing the Department’s communications plan in response to COVID-19. Lindsey was a member of the Association of Women Executives in Corrections, served on the agency’s social justice committee, and organized family reunification events in partnership with Congressman Danny K. Davis.
Lindsey worked in broadcast journalism as an anchor and reporter for six years before her transition to public service. She is a graduate of Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois where she earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication & Rhetorical Studies and Elementary Education.
Lindsey is a member of the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations. She devotes much of her spare time to volunteering, specifically for organizations benefiting young people. She is Executive Director of the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program, a duly accredited preliminary competition in the Miss Illinois and Miss America Organizations.
JB MeierSenior Director of Reimbursement & Legislative Affairs
JB Meier
JB is responsible for implementing initiatives and policies that are beneficial to HCCI members and those they serve. Prior to joining HCCI, JB was a legislative assistant for the House of Representatives and then served as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Illinois Department of Human Services. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with minor coursework in Governmental Studies from the University of Illinois – Springfield and an Associate Arts degree in Political Science from Lincoln Land Community College.
Rachel ShimkusHuman Resources Director
Rachel Shimkus
Rachel is the Human Resources Director at HCCI. She has over 20 years of experience in customer service, managerial work and executive assistance. Prior to joining HCCI, Rachel served as a Legislative Assistant in the House Speaker’s Office for 3 years.
Kimberly StoergerSenior Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Kimberly Stoerger
Destiny LeeDeputy Director of Policy & Workforce Development
Destiny Lee
Destiny is Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison for HCCI. Prior to joining HCCI, Destiny was a Policy and Budget Analyst in the Office of the Illinois Senate President, where she staffed multiple Senate Committees including the Financial Institutions, Public Health, Human Services, and State Government committees, respectively. Before her tenure with the Illinois Senate President’s Office, she previously worked as a Program Facility Coordinator for the Village of Glendale Heights, and as a participant of the University of Illinois Graduate Public Service Internship Program she interned as a Budget Analyst for the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Destiny is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the former Miss Black Illinois USA, where she created the Building Queens campaign to encourage young girls and women to develop self-confidence and authenticity through pageantry and personal development, during her reign. Lee received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Illinois Springfield and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
Kevin HeffernanPAC Director
Kevin Heffernan
Prior to joining HCCI in 2021, Kevin worked for the Illinois House Speaker’s legislative staff for over eight years. In that capacity, Kevin advised State Representatives from various regions of the state to craft and communicate a strategic legislative agenda to their constituents. Kevin also worked with the Democratic Party of Illinois, where he led state representative campaigns, created and implemented direct mail campaigns for multiple contested races, and assisted with opposition research. Kevin received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Carrie ImpsonManager of Education and Member Services
Carrie Impson
Carrie joined the HCCI team in 2021 as an Executive Assistant. Prior to joining HCCI, Carrie worked for the Illinois House of Representatives as a Leadership Legislative Assistant.
Felicia ColemanAccounts Receivable Specialist
Felicia Coleman
During her downtime. Felicia enjoys spending time with her family doing fun activities like playing games, bike riding and watching movies.
