ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Argentum announced today that Vickie Conner, executive director of Greenfield Senior Living’s Greenfield of Woodstock, Virginia, was honored with the 2016 Argentum Senior Living Community Leadership Award. Conner was recognized at the annual Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in Denver, Colorado.
"What we do makes a difference, and Greenfield has chosen what kind of difference we want to make,” said Greenfield Senior Living CEO Mathew Peponis. “Vickie Conner's commitment and love to her residents and families is an example for all of us. The impact she's had not only on her community, but on our industry as whole, is a rare gift and something to be valued and celebrated. It is a true honor to know Vickie and we could not be more proud."
Senior living executive directors are responsible for the day-to-day overall leadership and operation of a community. They contribute largely to defining the tone of their community by cultivating relationships both internally and with their surrounding neighborhoods. Successful executive directors typically possess a diverse skill set, high emotional intelligence, passion, empathy, and solid business acumen.
“The unwavering dedication of senior living executive directors like Vickie is critical to not only the operational success of their communities, but also to the level of engagement experienced by staff, residents, and family members alike,” said Argentum President and CEO James Balda. “We are proud of Vickie and her commitment to creating a superior experience for the Greenfield of Woodstock community.”
In addition to recognizing Conner, Argentum announced the winners of the 2016 Argentum Hero Awards. Each year, the Argentum Hero Awards recognize individuals who are ideal representatives of the hundreds of thousands of people serving in the senior living field. Nominated by regional/company executives and executive directors of senior living communities, these individuals represent the highest levels of excellence, caring, and dedication in senior living. This year, six awardees were recognized for championing quality of life for the residents they serve and for embracing a resident-centered philosophy. Award winning journalist Soledad O’Brien served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Hero Awards ceremony, and was joined by featured speakers former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.
The 2016 Hero Award winners are:
- Elizabeth Buchinski, Program Coordinator at Bay Pines, a Brookdale community in St. Petersburg, Florida
- Lindsey Hernandez, Life Engagement Manager at Fossil Creek, an Autumn Leaves community in Fort Worth, Texas
- Al Kuzio, Transportation Coordinator at Summit Place, a Five Star Senior Living community in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Abbi Laushine, Life Enrichment Director at Bridges by EPOCH at Westford, an EPOCH Senior Living community in Westford, Massachusetts
- Dane Taylor, Concierge at Kensington Park, a Kensington Senior Living community in Kensington, Maryland
- Kathy Weaver, Resident Care Partner at Oakley Place, an Enlivant community in Greenville, Ohio
“The 2016 Argentum Heroes bring to the forefront the exceptional service provided every day in senior living communities across the country,” Balda said. “Because of the care and dedication exhibited by individuals like the 2016 Heroes, more seniors are living their best lives.”
About Argentum
Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults. Argentum’s programs promote business and operational excellence designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurism in the field of senior living. Visit Argentum’s website at www.argentum.org.
