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.

Jana Pauldin headshot
Jana Pauldin

Many professionals in the long-term care industry go through training to become licensed as administrators. Although much of the focus often is on the people and their peers, professionals are behind the scenes who aid in helping them become certified. Jana Pauldin is one of those people.

Pauldin is the vice president of membership and chapter relations at the American College of Health Care Administrators in Washington, D.C. Previously, she worked at brandiD, a full-service integrated personal branding agency, as the chief operating officer, and at the Association for Childhood Education International as the director of chapter development and communication. 

Despite her not having much background in long-term care, Pauldin’s colleagues say her dedication to understanding the industry and its diverse needs is evident. At ACHCA, she is responsible for recruitment and membership retention, chapter/district development and the organization’s business affiliate program, among other things. Each year that she has been at ACHCA, membership has grown, with more than 2,000 new members joining during her tenure.

Recently retired President and CEO Bill McGinley called her a trusted adviser, adding that her dedication to good customer service is one of her best traits. Members frequently complimented Pauldin because of her knowledge, abilities, exceptional service and good nature, McGinley said.

For four years, Pauldin was the volunteer coordinator for Blogalicious, a marketing and advertising community that hosts conferences and events to celebrate multicultural influencers and entrepreneurs. Currently, she is a member of the American Society of Association Executives and is a consistent volunteer on the organization’s committees. She also has participated in the ASAE Women’s Executive Forum.

A mother of four, Pauldin has found time to supervise the homeschooling of her three sons while also remaining approachable to colleagues who seek  her input and advice.

In addition to all of the above, she also volunteers at the local food pantry and runs errands for elderly neighbors. 

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.