Editor’s Note: McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care are profiling the McKnight’s 2024 Women of Distinction honorees daily from July 1 to Aug. 13. For additional McKnight’s Women of Distinction content, visit this page.

Sharon Eyster has spent her entire career in long-term care. Before earning her bachelor’s degree, she was a direct care worker. Before becoming certified as an administrator, she worked as a director of activities and admissions. Being an administrator, too, was a stepping stone to her master’s degree in health law policy from Hofstra University as well as a series of promotions culminating in her current role as vice president of operations and COO at United Church of Christ Homes.

Eyster’s compassion and dedication to quality care have been a constant in her career. Her impact has been felt at long-term care facilities all across her home state of Pennsylvania, where she has become a leading force in the care sector and champion for the older adults in the organization’s care. 

“While her resume and accomplishments are impressive, they are not what distinguishes her from every other nursing home administrator I know. What sets her apart — what elevates her so far above the rest — is her passion for exceptional care, for her residents and for her team,” her nominator told McKnight’s. “She never shies away from a challenge. She is the first person to dig into a problem, no matter how big or complicated it is. She is a person of utmost integrity.” 

More about Eyster: 

  • Eyster has been a member of the Survey and Regulatory Committee of the American Health Care Association since 2014. 
  • She is a sought-after speaker at conferences and has provided education for the nonprofit provider association LeadingAge.
  • She also is an instructor at York College of Pennsylvania and Harrisburg Area Community College, where she shares her knowledge and skill as a long-term care administrator with the next generation. 

The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. Healthcare Services Group was the Platinum sponsor of this year’s McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards and Forum. PointClickCare was the Gold sponsor, and PharMerica was the Silver sponsor. Other sponsors included Curana Health, DirecTV for Business, Easyshifts, Hireology, Reliant Rehabilitation, ShiftKey and Sentrics.

Visit this web page to see lists of honorees from 2024 and previous years.