If the veteran long-term care professional you admire has been doing good things for 20 or more years, then there’s no reason to wait any longer to nominate them for a McKnight’s Pinnacle Award.
That’s the thinking of program organizers and past winners for the Pinnacles, long-term care’s most vaunted independent honor.
The early bird deadline for the 2025 McKnight’s Pinnacle arrives Wednesday (Oct. 16). A late fee will be applied for the two weeks afterward. The basic nominating form can be found here.
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.
“This program uniquely celebrates top leaders and performers from virtually all walks of life in long-term care. We’re proud to help celebrate them and look forward to seeing the heartfelt nominations every year,” said McKnight’s Editorial Director John O’Connor.
Winners this way
Nominations are 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.
The standard deadline for nominations carries an entry fee of $259. Nominations also will be accepted until an extended deadline of Nov. 1 at a rate of $325.
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.
