Nineteen senior-level women working in senior living or skilled nursing are being recognized today as Hall of Honor inductees into the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program for 2021.
“Hats off to these amazing leaders. By their thoughts and deeds, they have made notable contributions to this critically important field,” McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor said.
Hall of Honor inductees are senior-level professionals in the C-suite or at a level equivalent to vice president or higher and have made a significant impact on their organization or the long-term care industry. They will be celebrated with other honorees during a May 18 virtual event.
Hall of Honor inductees for 2021:
Leigh Ann Barney, President and CEO, Trilogy Health Services, Louisville, KY
Robin Bradley, Chief Operating Officer, American Health Partners, Franklin, TN
Teresa Chopoorian, Ed.D., MSN, RN, Vice President and Administrator, Mansion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Central Falls, RI
Terri Cunliffe, CEO, Covenant Living Communities and Services, Skokie, IL
Nathalie Francois, Chief Nursing Officer, Citadel Care Centers, Brooklyn, NY
Tana Gall, President, Merrill Gardens, Seattle
Lynn Hood, President and CEO, Principle LTC, Kinston, NC
Nancy Hooks, Vice President, State and Affiliate Relations, LeadingAge, Washington, D.C.
Mary Sue Patchett, Executive Vice President, Strategic Operations, Brookdale Senior Living, Brentwood, TN
Melissa Powell, Chief Operating Officer, The Allure Group, Brooklyn, NY
Meera Riner, Chief Operating Officer, Nexion Health, Sykesville, MD
Susan Ryan, Senior Director, The Green House Project, Linthicum, MD
Gail Sheridan, Chief Clinical Officer, Tealwood Senior Living, Bloomington, MN
Melissa Sorensen, Chief Nursing Officer, ProMedica Senior Care (formerly known as HCR ManorCare), Toledo, OH
Nicole Steck-Waitt, Vice President of Clinical Services, Sterling Senior Care, Silver Spring, MD
Robyn Stone, DrPH, Senior Vice President of Research, LeadingAge, Washington, D.C.; Co-director, LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston
Kim Te Brugge, Vice President of Senior Living and Health Care, The Goodman Group, Chaska, MN
Patricia Will, Founder and CEO, Belmont Village Senior Living, Houston
Denise Chadwick Wright, CEO, Birmingham Green, Manassas, VA
This is the third year for the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards. This year’s program received several hundred nominations, making the selection process by a national, independent panel of judges extremely competitive. Overall, 20 states and Washington, DC, are represented by the honorees across all categories.
Rising Stars were announced on Wednesday, and Veteran VIPs were announced yesterday. Altogether, 51 honorees have been announced. A Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be announced in March.
The May 18 virtual awards presentation will be followed the next day, May 19, by the second annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction Forum, hours of continuing education sessions featuring thought industry leaders discussing important topics. Both events are open to everyone, and there is no charge to attend. Details about the forum will be announced at a later date, but registration for the awards ceremony and forum is available now here.
Those with questions about the event should contact Nicole O’Neill at [email protected].
PointClickCare is the Diamond sponsor of this year’s event.
