The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is once again collecting nominations to honor top women leaders in the skilled nursing, senior living and home care sectors.

Now in its sixth year, the program has recognized more than 200 outstanding professionals, spread across categories encompassing all stages of careers.

“The Women of Distinction awards are a highlight of the year — not just for the honorees, but for all of us,” said John O’Connor, McKnight’s vice president and editorial director.

Eligible for recognition in the sector’s most prestigious competition are women working as direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives and owners in independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities, as well as those working in those capacities in skilled nursing facilities and in home care, home health, hospice and palliative care. 

Women who serve the fields indirectly — for instance as association staff members, academicians or thought leaders — also are eligible for recognition. There also is a special Spirit Award category.

The nomination categories are:

  • Hall of Honor: Candidates should be senior-level professionals in the C-suite or at a level equivalent to vice president or higher and should have made a significant impact on their organization or the industry.
  • Veteran VIP: Candidates should have more than 15 years of experience making an impact in long-term care and should be at a level lower than vice president or its equivalent. Whether as a community/facility administrator or executive director; or as a director of nursing, health/wellness or activities; or through some other position, they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the senior living and care industry through their accomplishments.
  • Rising Star: Candidates must be aged 40 or fewer years or have fewer than 15 years of experience in the profession. Also, they must have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the senior living and care industry. Those achievements/accomplishments may include, for example, managing a project, developing a campaign or contributing to the field via research or thought leadership.
  • Spirit Award: This award recognizes inspiring caregiving and service provision efforts. Eligibility is open to women who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, determination — or other noble gestures.

Nominators for the Rising Star, Veteran VIP and Hall of Honor categories should be prepared to share detailed qualitative and quantitative information about nominees’ work histories, exceptional achievements and contributions or service, and anything else the judging panel should consider.

The early nomination period ends Friday, Jan. 5, with an extended window ending Jan. 9.

Nominators for the Spirit Award should be prepared to detail the actions that qualify the potential honoree for special distinction. Nominations for the Spirit Award will be accepted at no charge.

A Lifetime Achievement Award winner also will be named by event organizers.

All honorees will be celebrated at an in-person gala awards ceremony and banquet Tuesday, May 14, in Chicago, when previous inductees also will be recognized. Information about the 2024 events, which also will include educational sessions, is available now at mcknightswomenofdistinction.com. Additional details will be added on a continuing basis.

For more information about the awards, or to submit a nomination for them, visit mcknightswomenofdistinction.com.

Questions should be directed to Amanda Hassler, director of events for Haymarket Media, the parent company of McKnight’s, at [email protected].

Read about previous award winners here. See lists of previous classes of honorees here.