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LeadingAge Vice President of State and Affiliate Relations Nancy Hooks has devoted countless hours and built a career around supporting the mission of the association and improving care for the aging population.
In her previously held roles at the New York State Department of Health, Leading Age New York, and LeadingAge Washington DC, Hooks has advocated for older adults in nursing homes, assisted living communities and at home by drafting state health and safety regulations for home care, writing and presenting state and federal legislative testimony.
In 2001, She also negotiated wording in the HR-202 act, or the Preserving Affordable Housing for Senior Citizens and Families into the 21st Century Act, between national House Majority/Minority Subcommittees to accomplish landmark bipartisan legislation.
She was also selected by the House Subcommittee chair to lead a research project and propose an action plan for the care and residential needs of aging Americans.
Her aging research has won multiple awards, including the distinguished CASP Graduate Award, Award of Excellence – American Association of Service Coordinators, HUD Best Practices Award, Associations Advance America Award and New York Governor’s Pen Citation.
Hooks’ colleagues at LeadingAge are impressed by her work ethic. “Her dedication and reliability are unrivaled,” says Virginia Helms, president of LeadingAge Georgia.
In her current role as a LeadingAge VP, Hooks is a liaison to all 38 of the organization’s state partners. She also plans state board retreats and completes long-term stability assessments. Her employee retention strategies also have been highly successful, according to colleagues.
In May 2020, Hooks was appointed project director of the association’s “pandemic playbook,” a resource for senior living and care providers for guidance, tools, lessons and financial strategies to combat exposure to COVID-19 and keep residents safe while maintaining financial stability.
She also has appeared on multiple local cable programs, including “It’s An Age Thing,” “You Should Live So Long” and the Hebrew Home network.
Aside from her professional achievements, Hooks is the primary caregiver for her 96-year old mother and 86-year old aunt. She also holds the title of eucharistic minister and is a youth basketball coach and a nursing home volunteer.
The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare, and the Roundtable Sponsor is Paycor.
