Nominators in the 4th annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program can get their choices into the mix early — and save on entry fees if they enter by Wednesday.

Eligible for recognition in 2022 are women leaders working as direct care providers, managers, executives, corporate executives or owners in skilled nursing, independent living, assisted living, memory care or life plan community settings, as well as those working in similar capacities in home care and home health. Women who serve the fields indirectly — for instance as association staff members, academicians or thought leaders — also are eligible. Individuals working for vendor companies are not eligible.

Past winners have come from organizations of virtually all sizes.

Categories recognize early-career, mid-career and senior-level professionals. Nominations should include detailed information about nominees’ work histories, exceptional achievements and contributions or service, and anything else that the judging panel should consider.

Nominations submitted by Wednesday will carry a $69 entry fee. Entries submitted between Dec. 9 and Jan. 5 will cost $99. Nominations submitted between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12 are $129.

This year, an additional honor, the McKnight’s Spirit Award, will recognize inspiring women who have provided specific instances of extraordinary care or service in a remarkable way during the year. As many as five honorees will be chosen in this celebration of LTC highlights. Nominations for this award will be accepted at no charge.

For additional information about the awards or to nominate someone for any of them, visit this website.

All honorees, including a Lifetime Achievement Award winner chosen by McKnight’s editors, will be celebrated at an in-person event on May 12 in Chicago that also will recognize winners from 2020 and 2021, years when the awards ceremony was held virtually. Educational sessions will be offered the next day at a special event forum; details will be announced at a later date.

Read about previous inductees here.

The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare.