Deke Cateau

A.G. Rhodes

Deke Cateau is the Chief Executive Officer at A.G. Rhodes, a nonprofit organization providing therapy and rehabilitation services, short-term recovery, and long-term care at three metro Atlanta locations. Deke is responsible for an operating budget of approximately $45 million and approximately 500 employees. A.G. Rhodes accommodates more than 400 residents at any given time.

Deke has worked in the long-term care industry for more than 20 years. Prior to becoming the CEO, he served in various roles at A.G. Rhodes, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Strategic Implementation, and he was the Administrator for seven years at the organization’s flagship location in Grant Park. Before working at A.G. Rhodes, Deke worked at Five Star Quality Care, Inc., a national senior living communities and services provider, where he served in many different capacities.

As a leader in the fields of health care and aging, Deke educates the community – through robust outreach and speaking engagements with local, national, and international audiences – about the complex issues surrounding aging and long-term care. In 2021, Deke published his first book: Brush Fire: COVID-19 and Our Nursing Homes, which quickly became an Amazon best seller. The book gives an open and honest account of the pandemic’s impact on A.G. Rhodes and on the nursing home industry as a whole. Dedicated to unsung health care heroes, Brush Fire is a book of inspiration and hope. Deke has also published previous articles on long-term care.

In addition to being a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Deke is a certified dementia care practitioner, trainer, and educator. He is also a recognized advisor to organizations and leaders on industry topics related to person-directed care, leadership, workforce development, strategic planning, and governance.

Deke serves on the Board of Directors for several organizations, including LeadingAge, The Eden Alternative, Georgia Health Care Association, the I’m Still Here Foundation, and the Georgia Center for Nursing Excellence. He also serves on the member committee for the Advancing Excellence in Long-Term Care Collaborative and the Kaiser Permanente’s Executive Employer Advisory Council. He is a Leadership Atlanta class of 2019 graduate.

In 2021, the Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA) recognized Deke with its “Leadership in Public Confidence” award. In 2020, the Eden Alternative recognized Deke with its “Tenacious Leader” award, and in 2019, Deke was awarded LeadingAge Georgia’s “Award of Honor,” which is the association’s highest award presented to a distinguished individual who has provided outstanding leadership, exemplary service, and commitment to enhance the aging services field. Deke has also earned the American College of Health Care Administrators Facility Leadership Award, and the GHCA’s Leadership Excellence Award.

Deke holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus, where he graduated as Valedictorian in 1997, and a certification in Global Leadership Development from the University of the Virgin Islands.