The 2025 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards extended entry period is now open and will last until Friday, Nov. 1. 

Nominating materials can be found here.

The long-term care veterans chosen elected by an independent judging panel will ultimately be honored at a gala awards reception and ceremony March 20.

Clif Porter, who has since been named the new president and CEO of the American Health Care Association; LeadingAge Board Chairman Robert Muniz; Signature Healthcare President and CEO Joe Steier; and Vassar Byrd, CEO of the Kendal Corporation, are just a handful of the 31 winners named last year.

Top executives, managers and other high-achievers from the ranks of skilled nursing, senior living and home care organizations are eligible for the esteemed honors. Multiple winners are selected in each category.

Nominees should have 20 or more years of experience in the field. They will be celebrated for promoting quality outcomes, setting standards and driving change. Providing guidance and inspiring colleagues and clients around them also are markers of success in this program.

Past winners have included standouts from small and large organizations, as well as from nonprofits, for-profits, associations, academic institutions, top marketplace contributors and other groups. 

Each entry will be judged by an independent panel of respected long-term care experts and stakeholders. Multiple winners will be named in each category, as warranted.

The 2025 categories:

  • Agent of Change Award
  • Industry Ally (for elected officials, high-level government administrators, trade group members, analysts and other thought leaders, among others)
  • Inspiration Award
  • Marketplace Influencer Award (for vendors/sponsors who have helped move the sector forward)
  • Setting the Standard Award
  • Thought Leader Award
  • Unsung Hero Award

In addition, one Career Achievement Award will be bestowed, as determined by program organizers.

Finalists will be announced Dec. 10, and winners will be recognized at an in-person gala March 20 in Chicago.

Learn more and nominate a deserving candidate here. You also can head to the following pages to read about the 2023 and 2024 winning classes.