CHICAGO — A sold-out crowd celebrated the second class of McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards winners in a lively spring event that combined networking with unabashed appreciation for some of the aging services sector’s most successful and dedicated professionals.
Awards went to a “Who’s Who” of longtime leaders in skilled nursing, senior living and home care. In all, 30 were recognized for their roles as change-makers, their influence on industry standards, and their ability to inspire others in the field.
“You are truly outstanding, and we thank you for being the great examples and role models that you’ve been — for decades. And while we look up to you with admiration and thanks, we also stand on your shoulders, better prepared to face our own tasks and better energized to make every tomorrow a better day,” emcee and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News Executive Editor Jim Berklan said in an opening toast.
This year’s Career Achievement Award went to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living. After 13 years at the helm of the nation’s largest nursing home advocacy organization, Parkinson in February announced he will retire early next year.
Accompanying him at the Pinnacle Awards were fellow 2024 honoree and AHCA/NCAL Senior Vice President of Government Relations Clif Porter, family members and several staff members who made the trip from Washington, DC. Parkinson was introduced by his wife, Stacy, an attorney who co-owned several long-term care facilities with him before he became governor of Kansas.
She introduced her husband by recounting what he called the best compliment he ever received: A resident’s family member had seen him gardening, washing dishes and visiting with residents of one of their facilities and asked how he could contact the owner to nominate him for employee of the month.
“He was so excited to come home that night and share that story with us,” Stacy Parkinson recounted. “He was so proud that someone thought he was a worker worthy of being employee of the month.”
Parkinson, one of 27 honorees who attended the March 21 event, championed the efforts of the workers around him, including front line staff, in his acceptance speech. Both in his nursing home career and as a highly influential DC lobbyist, Parkinson said he has relied upon the teams around him.
“The greatest honor that I’ve had is being one of you, as a provider, and then the opportunity to represent you in DC and fighting on behalf of the caregivers who are providing great care everyday,” he said.
Party for 200
The event was again held at the iconic Ivy Room, just off Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The venue is inside the early-1900s era Medinah Temple, ornate with stained glass, rich wood-paneled walls and an elegant courtyard. Its various building components have been home to lively circuses, notable Chicago Symphony Orchestra recordings and now Chicago’s first casino.
More than 200 guests were treated to a spirited cocktail reception, dinner and dessert inside the intriguing venue. In addition to the Career Achievement Award, honorees were recognized in seven other award categories for their contributions to the sector. Those were:
- Agent of Change
- Industry Ally
- Inspiration
- Setting the Standard
- Thought Leader
- Unsung Hero
- Business Partner
All nominees had to be industry veterans with at least 20 years of experience in their chosen field. Winners were selected by a national judging panel. Each of the 2024 honorees was highlighted in a commemorative book from the event and in an online photo gallery.
The McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program is a joint effort of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and sister media brands McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care.
Nominations for the Class of 2025 will open this fall.
Omnicare was the Silver sponsor for the 2024 Pinnacle Awards program, with Parker Health Group and Sentrics serving as event sponsors.
