The sector veterans earned recognition for driving change, setting new standards and inspiring others. They were nominated by peers and selected by an independent, national panel of judges.

Honorees include an array of veteran long-term care operators, caregivers and affiliated professionals who have enjoyed careers of 20 years or longer performing at the highest levels in skilled nursing, senior living and home care.

“This is an incredible collection of veterans who have made lasting marks on their fields. Such a group of outstanding professionals may gather only once a year,” praised McKnight’s Publisher Craig Roth in announcing the winners. “We’re looking forward to seeing them all together in March to honor them in person.”

The Pinnacle Awards are a joint effort of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and sister media brands McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care.

Winners will be celebrated March 21 at a gala awards ceremony and banquet at the iconic Ivy Room in Chicago. The event is open to all friends, family, colleagues and supporters. Coverage of the industry’s most vaunted independent awards program will appear both online and in print.

Pinnacle honorees are recognized in six categories. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of skilled nursing, senior living and home care leaders who assessed nominees across four major criteria groupings.

As part of the program, organizers will announce in January a Career Achievement Award winner, who also will be feted at the March ceremony.

Please check the program website at mcknightspinnacleawards.com for a gallery of winners and more information about the McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards, including details about the awards ceremony and dinner.

The 2024 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards winners are:

Agent of Change Award

Vassar Byrd, Incoming CEO, The Kendal Corporation

Deke Cateau, CEO, A.G. Rhodes

Kristen Duell, Executive Vice President of Experience & Innovation, FirstLight Home Care

Phillip Hill, Administrator, Principle Long Term Care

Colleen Kamin, Executive Director, Anthem Memory Care

Marianne Longo, Chief Clinical Officer, Help at Home

David Totaro, Chief Marketing and Government Affairs Officer, BAYADA Home Health Care

Industry Ally Award

Andrew Carle, Lead Faculty, Senior Living Administration, Georgetown University

Clifton Porter II, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living

Inspiration Award

Mark Baiada, Chairman and Founder, BAYADA Home Health Care

Esther Kamara-Conteh, Vice President Care Management Operations, VNS Health

Esmerelda Lee, Chief Operating Officer/EVP, Century Park Associates

Roberto Muñiz, President & CEO, Parker Health Group

Cathy Williams, CEO, Winslow Campus of Care

Setting the Standard Award

Sheila Davis, Senior Executive Vice President, Area Operations, Always Best Care Senior Services

Jamie Dlatt, Chief Operating Officer, Legacy Healthcare

Charles “Chuck” Hastings, CFO/Vice President of Finance and Business Development, Juniper Communities

Kurt Merkelz, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Compassus

John Swanson, CEO, Willow Valley Development Corp.

Raeann Voorhies, CEO, Vanda Health

Thought Leader Award

Joan DiPaola, Director Dementia Program Development, Harmony Village at CareOne Paramus

Jessica Fear, Senior Vice President, Behavioral Health VNS Health

R. Tamara Konetzka, PhD, Louis Block Professor of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago

E. Joseph “Joe” Steier III, President/CEO, Signature HealthCARE

Unsung Hero Award

Wendy Blackman, Director of Reflections, The Bristal at North Woodmere

Orah Burack, Senior Research Associate, The New Jewish Home

Business Partner Award

Tim Hadley, Former CEO, Evive Brands

Steven Littlehale, Chief Innovation Officer, Zimmet Healthcare Services Group

Cindy Smith, Director, Professional Services, Omnicare

Wendy Strain, Director of Consulting Services, Polaris Group

Editor’s note: This article has been modified from its original version to update the overall number of honorees.

If you’re counting today, you have less than three days to finish your nomination in the 2024 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program. Nominations must be in by midnight Sunday (Nov. 5), which closes the late-filing window, organizers remind.

The good news is, outstanding veterans of long-term care are easily identifiable and the entry process is straightforward and relatively basic. Check the entry form here.

“There are outstanding, dedicated leaders worthy of this recognition in just about every high-quality company in the field,” observed McKnight’s Associate Publisher and Editorial Director John O’Connor. “This is a wonderful, fitting way to honor colleagues, mentors and others who are looked up to.”

To recap many of the salient points: The Pinnacle Awards honor outstanding long-term care leaders with 20 or more years of experience in skilled nursing, senior living or home care who are setting new standards, driving change, providing guidance and inspiring others in the industry.

Nominations are judged by an independent panel of national experts.

Now in its second year, the program kicked off with a rousing start last year by honoring some of the most well-known, as well as numerous lower-profile, long-term care leaders around. You can check out coverage of the 2023 celebration and winners here.

The 2024 finalists will be announced Dec. 11. Winners will be recognized at an in-person gala awards ceremony and banquet March 21, 2024, at the iconic Ivy Room in Chicago.Learn more about the awards and nominate someone at mcknightspinnacleawards.com or here.

The award categories for nominations are:

• Setting the Standard Award
• Agent of Change Award
• Inspiration Award
• Thought Leader Award
• Unsung Hero Award

• Industry Ally (for elected officials, high-level government administrators, trade group members, analysts, influential academics or researchers, other thought leaders, etc.)
• Business Partner (for vendors/sponsors that have helped move the sector forward)

In addition, one Career Achievement Award will be bestowed, as determined by program organizers. Read about the 2023 Career Achievement Award winner, Robert Kramer, here.

The program is coordinated by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care.

The elite awards program closed its standard nomination period Friday, but opportunities still remain to get deserving long-term veterans recognized.

The Pinnacle Awards honor skilled nursing, senior living and home care industry veterans who are setting new standards, driving change, providing guidance and inspiring others in the industry. 

Professionals with at least 20 years of experience are eligible. The awards are coordinated by McKnight’s Senior Living, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Home Care.

The award categories are:

• Setting the Standard Award
• Agent of Change Award
• Inspiration Award
• Thought Leader Award
• Unsung Hero Award

• Industry Ally (for elected officials, high-level government administrators, trade group members, analysts, influential academics or researchers, other thought leaders, etc.)
• Business Partner (for vendors/sponsors that have helped move the sector forward)

In addition, one Career Achievement Award will be bestowed, as determined by program organizers. Read about the 2023 winners here and the 2023 Career Achievement Award winner, Robert Kramer, here.

The 2024 finalists will be announced Dec. 11. Winners will be recognized at an in-person gala awards ceremony and banquet March 21, 2024, at the iconic Ivy Room in Chicago.Learn more about the awards and nominate someone at mcknightspinnacleawards.com or here.

The respected awards program honors long-term care sector veterans in a broad range of categories. Winners will be celebrated both online and in print, and at an in-person awards banquet in March.

The Pinnacles recognize leaders who have been setting new standards, driving change, providing guidance and inspiring others. Last year’s inaugural class included professionals from more than a dozen states, with job titles ranging from nurse to CEO.

These “Best of the Best” awards are coordinated by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. Winners must have at least 20 years of experience and work in or around the skilled nursing, senior living, home care or other long-term care-related fields.

“This really is about showing appreciation for those among us who have done the field and themselves proud day in, day out — and they’ve done it year after year,” said McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor.

The nominating categories are: 

• Setting the Standard Award
• Agent of Change Award
• Inspiration Award
• Thought Leader Award
• Unsung Hero Award

Pinnacle Awards also will given in these two categories:

• Industry Ally (for elected officials, high-level government administrators, trade group members, analysts, influential academics or researchers, other thought leaders, etc.)
• Business Partner (for vendors/sponsors that have helped move the sector forward)

Finalists will be announced Dec. 11. 

In addition, one Career Achievement Award will be bestowed, as chosen by program organizers. 

After Oct. 20, the entry period will remain open for two more weeks but with a late-entry fee added on. 

The gala awards banquet will be held March 21 at the iconic Ivy Room in Chicago.

Learn more and nominate a deserving candidate here. You can also read up on the 2022 inaugural class and the first Pinnacle Awards celebration at mcknights.com.

I can’t think of many things more maligned over the last generation than the participation trophy in children’s sports. You know: Show up, get an award.

By inverse logic, I think that is what makes the McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards so popular. These most distinguished honors in the long-term care sector recognize the “best of the best” — and nominees must have served in the sector for at least 20 years.

In other words: No plaque for just showing up.

In March, we honored the first class of Pinnacle Award winners, and it was a sight to behold. It was almost as if the sector had been waiting for someone to finally wake up and declare, “Hey, this field is loaded with wonderful servant leaders — long-time, deserving leaders — so how about shouting from the treetops about that?”

Well, to that I say: Let the shouting re-commence. Entries are now being accepted for the 2nd Annual McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards. 

You either work for or know of an outstanding skilled nursing, senior living or home care leader. Now’s the time to let them know how much you think of them by throwing their name into consideration for this esteemed honor.

In case you’re wondering if this attention pleases these dedicated, often stoic leaders, the answer is you bet it does, and rightfully so. Memories of so many of last year’s winners dancing up to, and on, the awards platform, still burn bright. (Take a peek at some of that coverage here.)

They, after all, are a big reason for hope in this sector, and major reasons this field can expect a better reputation than it is tagged with. First-year program winners came from all types of ownership classes and employment departments.

Easy entry

The great thing about this program is its beauty and relative simplicity: 1) Find someone who’s spent two decades or more doing good work, 2) go to www.mcknightspinnacleawards.com, 3) answer the basic needs of the entry form (no self-entries for this one, sorry!) and 4) wait for the winners to be announced in December. A national, independent judging panel tells us who makes it.

The standard deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 20, after which a late fee will be added during an extra two-week entry window (closing for good Nov. 5).

Nominations can be made in these broadly themed categories: 

• Setting the Standard Award
• Agent of Change Award
• Inspiration Award
• Thought Leader Award
• Unsung Hero Award
• Industry Ally Award
• Business Partner Award

There also will be a special Career Achievement Award winner, as chosen by event organizers. Last year’s honoree was Robert G. Kramer, co-founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care and founder and current fellow of Nexus Insights. He was an awesome choice, and an outstanding featured speaker.

Winners will be honored again at a grand banquet at the historic Ivy Room in downtown Chicago on March 21, 2024. The inaugural bash, held in March this year, was the most fun l’ve had at long-term care event so far in 2023. I’m sure I have a lot of company among the sold-out crowd who share the sentiment. 

So please get the wheels turning now to see that your deserving long-term care veterans get the recognition they deserve. Oct. 20 will arrive sooner than you think (36 days and counting …), especially with a busy fall before us.

Head to the entry portal now to see what it’s all about. Stories on each of the 2023 honorees can be found there as well. 

It’s time to honor a new round Pinnacle Award winners. 

They have, after all, done far more than just show up for the last 20-plus years. With your help, a grateful sector is poised to salute them.

James M. Berklan is McKnight’s Executive Editor.

Opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News columns are not necessarily those of McKnight’s.

The awards are coordinated by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care.

“We’re excited to once again honor deserving individuals who not only have reached the top of the profession but have managed to remain there for years,” McKnight’s Publisher Craig Roth said. “Last year’s program was a phenomenal success, and we look forward to building on such a well-received program to recognize individuals who inspire everyone in the industry.”

Professionals with at least 20 years of experience who still are active in the skilled nursing, senior living or home care fields are eligible to be nominated by others. Self-nominations are not accepted.

The program offers multiple awards across several tracks.

The tracks:

• Skilled nursing — for-profit 
• Skilled nursing — nonprofit 
• Senior living (independent living, assisted living, memory care and/or continuing care retirement/life plan community) — for-profit 
• Senior living (independent living, assisted living, memory care and/or continuing care retirement/life plan community) — nonprofit 
• Home care / home health / hospice — for-profit and nonprofit 

The awards categories:

• Setting the Standard Award
• Agent of Change Award
• Inspiration Award
• Thought Leader Award
• Unsung Hero Award

Pinnacle Awards also will given in these two categories, covering all tracks:

• Industry Ally (for elected officials, high-level government administrators, trade group members, analysts, influential academics or researchers, other thought leaders, etc.)
• Business Partner (for vendors/sponsors that have helped move the sector forward)

In addition, one Career Achievement Award will be bestowed, as determined by program organizers. 

The standard deadline for nominations is Oct. 20, with an entry fee of $225. Nominations also will be accepted until an extended deadline of Nov. 5, for an entry fee of $285.

Finalists will be announced Dec. 11. Winners will be recognized at an in-person event March 21 in Chicago.

Learn more and nominate a deserving candidate here. You can also read up on the 2022 inaugural class and the first Pinnacle Awards celebration at mcknights.com.

The long-term care industry is nothing without its people, and Dana Ullom-Vucelich has spent more than 20 years ensuring that her company recruits and retains the best. As chief human resources officer for Ohio Living, Ullom-Vucelich lives by the mantra “inclusion, appreciation and investment.”

“I believe those words come to life when you create a welcoming workplace, trust employees, optimize supervisors, gain efficiencies through metrics and align values with strategic planning,” she says.

Her energetic leadership is part of what led judges to award her an “Inspiration Award” honor in the 2023 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program.

After spending almost 10 years at Ohio’s Knox Community Hospital, where she was vice president of human resources, Ullom-Vucelich joined Ohio Living in September 2000. 

Since then, she’s infused employee appreciation throughout the organization, which includes more than 3,200 people serving 12 life plan communities and offering home health, hospice and palliative medicine services. In addition to leading HR, she is the company’s ethics and compliance officer.

Ullom-Vucelich graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in child development and gerontology. She also has a master’s degree in human resources development from Webster University.

Ohio Living, then known as Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services, was one of only six organizations in the state to win the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics in 2015.

Amid the pandemic and industrywide staffing crises, Ullom-Vucelich has rallied others with a reminder to focus on “controlling the controllables,” including “how one cares, communicates and connects.“

“During crisis calls, board meetings, leadership development or employee listening events, all of the heartbeats of Ohio Living (residents, patients, donors, families, volunteers and employees) receive her focus,” said Mica Rees, Ohio Living’s chief brand and growth officer. “She leads by example and exhibits the highest level of integrity and caring.”

The McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. Honorees were recognized March 7 at a gala banquet and awards ceremony in Chicago. The program’s Platinum sponsor was MatrixCare. Omnicare was a Silver sponsor, and additional sponsors included Pinnacle Quality Insight, HealthDirect and Sentrics.

Doing well in long-term care is not easy. Regulators, families, financial challenges and simply the nature of the frail, vulnerable clientele will always make it so.

That’s why when you find somebody doing long-term care well, it pays to sit up and take notice.

And when you find somebody doing it well for 20 or more years, well, that’s sublime and a reason to politely stare if you can’t help it.

This week, McKnight’s announced a group of long-term care personnel that probably can never be given enough attention to do them justice. But we’re going to try. 

On Tuesday, we announced the inaugural class of McKnight’s Pinnacle Award winners. It’s a group of long-term care professionals that’s about as eclectic and elite as you’ll ever find in one place. Talk about an embarrassment of riches.

Quality? Check. Brains? Check. Success? Double-check.

This is a group you can’t pass by without wanting to know more. (And if you can, then you probably don’t have to worry about ever joining them as a Pinnacle Award winner.) Thirty individuals who account for hundreds and hundreds of years of quality long-term care.

The good news is, you have the chance to not only learn more about them, but you can do it in person. Meet these stellar role models face-to-face, hear what makes them tick and learn what habits keep them on top. A gala awards ceremony and dinner will celebrate them March 7 in Chicago, and you’re invited to it. Seriously.

The industry endures so much persecution and angst, it’s only fitting we take time to properly celebrate the best of the best.

Rub elbows, collect tips and make new friends — or see old friends. Congratulate comrades. It will be prime time for all of this at the historic Ivy Room in Chicago March 7.

Whether in the corner office, on the floor or making the rounds, these stars have reached the pinnacle of their profession. They have done their jobs exceedingly well, most of them well into the last century.

You’ll see more about them in the coming months. But do yourself a favor and come see them in person. Let us know you’re coming and we’ll keep a seat warm.

It’s time to sit up and take notice of the greats among us.

Visit the program website for more information about the event and to see a gallery of winners.

James M. Berklan is McKnight’s Executive Editor.

Opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News columns are not necessarily those of McKnight’s.

The Pinnacle Awards are designed to honor top performers in virtually all ranges of the long-term care sector, from healthcare provider to business partner, to ancillary services providers, researchers and administrative professionals. Nominees should have 20 years or more of service in the field.

Leaders and outstanding colleagues in skilled nursing, senior living and home care are eligible in several divisions. Business partners and “allies” of the industry also will be recognized. Be creative. Who has inspired you and helped move the sector forward?

“This is an outstanding way to recognize the men and women who have been the backbone and veterans of long-term care through the years. The list of possible winners is incredibly long,” McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor said. “We look forward to celebrating them in fitting style with an uplifting ceremony in March.”

Colleagues, bosses, mentors, managers, friends and other worthy individuals are expected to be among the inaugural nomination class. An impartial, national panel of judges will assess the entries.

Finalists will be announced Dec. 1, with the program culminating in a grand awards ceremony and reception March 7 in Chicago.

The five main categories, for which multiple winners may be recognized, are: 

•  Setting the Standard Award

•  Agent of Change Award

•  Inspiration Award

•  Thought Leader Award

•  Unsung Hero Award

The 2023 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards also will bestow a Career Achievement Award winner chosen by event organizers.

More details about the program and the submission form are via the event’s entry kit. The event website also offers more details. Don’t delay. Time is almost up!

The McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards honor top performers in virtually all ranges of the sector, from healthcare provider to business partner, to ancillary services provider to research and other administrative professionals. Nominees should have 20 years or more of service.

Leaders and outstanding colleagues in skilled nursing, senior living and home care are eligible in several divisions. Business partners and “allies” of the industry also will be recognized.

“This is an outstanding way to recognize the men and women who have been the backbone and veterans of long-term care through the years. The list of possible winners is incredibly long,” said McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor. “We look forward to celebrating them in fitting style with an uplifting ceremony in March.”

Colleagues, bosses, mentors, managers, friends and other worthy individuals are expected to be among the inaugural nomination class. An impartial, national panel of judges will assess the entries.

Finalists will be announced Dec. 1, with the program culminating in a grand awards ceremony and reception March 7 in Chicago.

The five main categories, which may recognize multiple winners in each, are: 

•  Setting the Standard Award

•  Agent of Change Award

•  Inspiration Award

•  Thought Leader Award

•  Unsung Hero Award

The 2023 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards also will bestow a Career Achievement Award winner chosen by event organizers.

More details about the program and the submission form are via the event’s entry kit. The event website also holds more details at www.mcknightspinnacleawards.com. Don’t delay!