McKnight's Women of Distinction 2023 logo

The 5th annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program kicked off this week with a limited window for nominating outstanding leaders in three experience categories. Submitters are encouraged to gather the basic entry material and enter as early as possible.

Eligible for recognition in the sector’s prestigious competition are women working as executives, managers, direct care providers and owners in independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities. Also eligible are 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. Individuals working for vendor companies serving the industry are not eligible.

The program is jointly sponsored by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. It will culminate with a grand awards ceremony and banquet in Chicago in spring.

The primary categories are the Hall of Honor (for senior level professionals), Veteran VIPs (for long-time leaders) and Rising Stars (for less experienced individuals). There also will be a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and others receiving the McKnight’s Spirit Award.

Read about previous Rising Star, Veteran VIP and Hall of Honor inductees, as well as Lifetime Achievement and Spirit Award winners here.

“We’re energized every year hearing the stories of these outstanding individuals, who have so much passion for the work they do and the people they serve,” McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor said. 

Nominators 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.

Nominations submitted by Jan. 5 will have a $79 entry fee. Nominations submitted between Jan. 6 and 10 will carry a $109 entry fee.

For additional information about the awards, or to submit a nomination for any of them, visit mcknightswomenofdistinction.com. Questions should be directed to Anna Naumoski, senior event manager for Haymarket Media, the parent company of McKnight’s, at [email protected]. See lists of previous classes of honorees here.