Editor’s Note: McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News are profiling the McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction honorees daily July 6 through Aug. 9. To see the 2021 McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction awards ceremony, register for free here. For additional profiles of McKnight’s Women of Distinction, visit this page.

Denise Chadwick headshot
Denise Chadwick-Wright

Denise Chadwick-Wright joined Birmingham Green in Manassas, VA, as CEO in 2017 after developing a track record of steady excellence in her previous roles in 29 years in the industry. 

Wright entered leadership roles in long-term care equipped with an undergraduate degree in business administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Eastern College. She served as the executive director in two assisted living communities as well as a program director in post-acute rehabilitation before her current role.

In 2012, Wright received the American College of Health Care Administrators’ Facility Leadership Award, a national prize given to a healthcare administrator who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in leadership.

In her current position, Wright has revamped Birmingham Green’s structure, values and vision, helping the community achieve Bronze-level Quality Awards from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, as well as a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the nursing home.

Wright has worked tirelessly to make the three parts of Birmingham Green — two assisted living communities and a healthcare center — places of quality care and service, as well as an enjoyable working environment for their staff, according to colleagues. Pushing forward a new mission backed by holistic health values, she launched new wellness initiatives such as Eden Alternative philosophy training and a Birdsong tablet initiative, which helped residents stay connected and battle loneliness. 

For staff members, Wright enacted various programs and events to foster engagement and physical activity, such as a benefit fair and walks. During the pandemic, she fully implemented telehealth and led the staff through the unprecedented difficulties.

Tamika Kemp, her colleague, said that Wright’s leadership style is effective, fair and innovative, and that she has an intuitive understanding of the needs of her community. 

“Denise takes great pride in her work and is passionate about serving our senior population,” Kemp added.

The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare, and the Roundtable Sponsor is Paycor.