Start Date: 4/3/2025 11:00 AM EDT
End Date: 4/3/2025 12:00 PM EDT
Organization Name:
Virginia Assisted Living Association
Contact:
The 2025 Virginia General Assembly ended this year's session on February 22, with final bills going to the governor's desk to be acted upon by the end of March. Join VALA's legislative and regulations team to review and discuss the outcomes of legislation impacting the assisted living industry in Virginia, such as VALA's advocacy to expand and increase the Auxiliary Grant (AG) for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities.
CEUs will be available for this session.
Presenters:
Judy Hackler, Executive Director, Virginia Assisted Living Association
Judy Hackler has served as the Executive Director of the Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA) since 2007 and is proud to be an advocate for assisted living communities, the residents they serve, and the staff they employ. Judy has been involved in and passionate about senior living since childhood when her grandmother owned an assisted living community in Richmond, VA. Judy previously worked in assisted living communities in the Richmond area. Presently, Judy actively serves on committees, workgroups, and task forces on behalf of Virginia’s assisted living providers. Judy strives to support Virginia’s seniors and the senior living industry by being a consistent voice of encouragement for long-term care housing support and programs with legislators, policy makers, and regulatory agencies. Judy supports Virginia’s citizens in navigating the long-term care options by providing information and resources to help them and their loved ones. Judy received an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as being a lifelong learner. Judy loves to help others and actively volunteers for charitable organizations in the local community.
Julia Hammond, Senior Principal, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
Julia is practiced in leading a gubernatorial legislative team with extensive experience identifying emerging issues, developing and implementing high-level policy initiatives, and securing passage of a variety of measures and key reforms before the Virginia General Assembly.
Julia served as the director of legislative affairs and policy to Governor Robert F. McDonnell from 2011-2013. Julia led the McDonnell administration’s legislative strategy, developed the governor’s policy agenda, and worked with members of the Virginia General Assembly to advance the governor’s priorities. She was pivotal to the success of the governor’s agendas, directing the administration’s outreach to the General Assembly and stakeholder groups.
Julia has a strong background in the legislative development process, creating the state budget, and executive branch agency functions. Prior to joining the administration, Julia was state director for National Federation of Independent Business in Virginia. She previously served as director of government relations for the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association, she served in the Office of Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, and as a legislative aide to Delegate David Albo.
Prior to joining Cozen O’Connor, Julia served as a senior manager of government affairs in the Richmond office of a national law firm. Julia earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington.
Kyler Hedrick, Government Relations Associate, Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies
As a government relations associate with Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies’ Richmond practice, Kyler advocates on behalf of clients before the Virginia General Assembly and provides insights on a wide range of strategic policy initiatives. His experience working with leadership in both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia offers clients an informed yet balanced approach to the legislative process.
Kyler most recently served as the chief of staff to House Majority Leader Terry G. Kilgore, where he helped to develop a comprehensive legislative strategy, facilitated caucus communications, and provided guidance on legislation. His previous roles include serving as the legislative director to Senator Ryan T. McDougle and as a legislative aide to Delegate Peter Farrell.
Kyler’s advocacy mindset evolved during his role as a policy manager for a commercial construction association. His work included crafting legislative agendas, monitoring and reporting on committees, conducting research, and analyzing budgetary items. He also maintained consistent communication with association members to ensure all voices could be engaged throughout the legislative process.
Before moving to Richmond, Kyler earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences.
