IHCA Staff
Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director
Robert became the Executive Director of IHCA in January 2001. He has an MBA from the University of Utah, a B.S. in Psychology, and a Gerontology Certificate from the University of Utah.
He was an administrator of a skilled nursing facility in Eastern Idaho for four years, serving on the Board of Directors for IHCA.
He also worked in an assisted living facility for three years. Robert and his wife love to explore Idaho. Visiting IHCA members has taken them to the most beautiful and interesting places in Idaho. They love to learn about the history, geography and culture of the various corners they discover. They also love to visit and explore with their children and grandchildren too, even if it is just a walk to the park.
Dana Leavitt, Director of Member Services
Dana joined IHCA in October 2021. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in International Relations.
She was an Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program and a Grant Coordinator for the Department of Health and Welfare’s CNA Caregiver Grant. She has worked in the Home Care Industry and gun industry, owned and managed a business with her husband, and worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the State Department in Washington, DC.
Dana loves the outdoors, spending time with family, and reading. She loves all plants, especially succulents.
Luke Malek, Policy Director
Luke Malek is a founding attorney and co-owner of Smith + Malek, where he focuses in corporate and healthcare law. Dedicated to creating positive results for his clients, Luke believes that providing counsel with an understanding of a clear strategic vision is one of the most effective ways to drive organizational success.
Luke was raised in northern Idaho and earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Idaho in 2004 and went on to receive his J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2010. Before practicing law, Luke held significant leadership roles, including serving as the Regional Director for Northern Idaho under Governor Jim Risch and as the Executive Director of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency.
Luke’s career has spanned both public service and legal counsel. After working as a deputy prosecutor for Kootenai County, he served as corporate counsel for Heritage Health in Coeur d’Alene. In 2015, he co-founded Smith + Malek with Peter J. Smith IV. Additionally, Luke represented Idaho’s District 4 in the state legislature from 2012 to 2018, bringing his legal expertise and commitment to his community to the forefront of his legislative work.