Attendees at the 2022 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Forum can earn up to three continuing education credits while hearing industry experts share insights and advice related to workforce challenges, career success and related topics.
All professionals are invited to the May 13 morning event, which will take place at the W Hotel City Center in Chicago.
“The McKnight’s team is looking forward to welcoming everyone to this in-person event after having held it virtually for the past two years,” McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor said. “Even though the forum is part of the McKnight’s Women of Distinction program, we’ve designed it to be valuable to everyone in the industry. We know attendees are looking forward to getting together and hearing from the speakers as much as we are.”
The Forum will kick off at 8 a.m. with registration and a networking breakfast.
After welcoming remarks, the first session, “More lessons learned along the way,” will begin at 8:40 a.m. 2022 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Patricia Will, founder and CEO of Belmont Senior Living, will share insights and sage advice. She will also answer attendees’ questions. McKnight’s Senior Living Editor Lois Bowers will moderate.
The second session, “Work it: Smart ways to address the caregiver shortage,” will begin at 9:40 a.m. North Cities Health Care President Steven Chies; The Springs Living Chief Operating Officer Brenda Connelly; Hospice in the Pines CEO Demetress Harrell; Senior Lifestyle Vice President of Human Resources Alison Kippen; 2Life Communities President and CEO Amy Schectman; and Ignite Medical Resorts Chief Culture Officer and partner Jim White will discuss successful strategies for recruitment and retention. Connelly, Harrell and Schectman are 2022 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor inductees. McKnight’s Home Care Editor Liza Berger will moderate.
After a networking break, the third session, “Keys to achieving career success,” will begin at 11:10 a.m. Six 2022 McKnight’s Women of Distinction honorees will offer insights into developing personal and team skills, mentoring, networking, nurturing a personal style, organizational culture, career advancement and more.
Panelists will include Marquis Companies Vice President of Clinical Services April Diaz; Jewish Home Family President and CEO Carol Silver Elliott; Brookdale Senior Living Vice President of Regional Operations, East Division, Jamie Merrill; Senior Living Properties CEO Cassie Mistretta; LCS Director of Clinical Services Tina Reed; and ProMedica Senior Care Vice President of Rehabilitation Services DeLaine Rice-White. McKnight’s Long-Term Care News Executive Editor James M. Berklan will moderate.
Awards celebration, too
The forum will follow the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards celebration being held the preceding evening. The 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and inductees in the Hall of Honor, Veteran VIP and Rising Stars categories were previously announced. Recipients of the program’s newest honor, the Spirit Award, will be announced next week. A total of 54 outstanding women working in skilled nursing, senior living or home care will be recognized this year.
A photo gallery of this year’s honorees, as well as tickets and more details about the awards and forum — which are open to all stakeholders, friends and colleagues — are available at mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.
PointClickCare is the Diamond sponsor of this year’s event. OnShift and PharMerica are the Silver sponsors. Table sponsors include Gojo/Purell and Sound Physicians.
