Argentum Honors 2016 Senior Living Community Leader and Six Hero Awardees

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Argentum announced today that Vickie
Conner, executive director of Greenfield Senior Living’s
Greenfield of Woodstock, Virginia, was honored with the 2016 Argentum
Senior Living Community Leadership Award. Conner was recognized at
the annual Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in Denver,
Colorado.

“What we do makes a difference, and Greenfield has chosen what kind of
difference we want to make,” said Greenfield Senior Living CEO Mathew
Peponis. “Vickie Conner’s commitment and love to her residents and
families is an example for all of us. The impact she’s had not only on
her community, but on our industry as whole, is a rare gift and
something to be valued and celebrated. It is a true honor to know Vickie
and we could not be more proud.”

Senior living executive directors are responsible for the day-to-day
overall leadership and operation of a community. They contribute largely
to defining the tone of their community by cultivating relationships
both internally and with their surrounding neighborhoods. Successful
executive directors typically possess a diverse skill set, high
emotional intelligence, passion, empathy, and solid business acumen.

“The unwavering dedication of senior living executive directors like
Vickie is critical to not only the operational success of their
communities, but also to the level of engagement experienced by staff,
residents, and family members alike,” said Argentum President and CEO
James Balda. “We are proud of Vickie and her commitment to creating a
superior experience for the Greenfield of Woodstock community.”

In addition to recognizing Conner, Argentum announced the winners of the 2016
Argentum Hero Awards. Each year, the Argentum Hero Awards recognize
individuals who are ideal representatives of the hundreds of thousands
of people serving in the senior living field. Nominated by
regional/company executives and executive directors of senior living
communities, these individuals represent the highest levels of
excellence, caring, and dedication in senior living. This year, six
awardees were recognized for championing quality of life for the
residents they serve and for embracing a resident-centered philosophy.
Award winning journalist Soledad O’Brien served as the Master of
Ceremonies for the Hero Awards ceremony, and was joined by featured
speakers former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Colorado Governor John
Hickenlooper.

The 2016 Hero Award winners are:

• Elizabeth
  Buchinski, Program Coordinator at Bay Pines, a Brookdale
  community in St. Petersburg, Florida
• Lindsey
  Hernandez, Life Engagement Manager at Fossil Creek, an Autumn
  Leaves community in Fort Worth, Texas
• Al
  Kuzio, Transportation Coordinator at Summit Place, a Five Star
  Senior Living community in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Abbi Laushine, Life Enrichment Director at Bridges by EPOCH at
  Westford, an EPOCH Senior Living community in Westford, Massachusetts
• Dane
  Taylor, Concierge at Kensington Park, a Kensington Senior
  Living community in Kensington, Maryland
• Kathy
  Weaver, Resident Care Partner at Oakley Place, an Enlivant
  community in Greenville, Ohio

“The 2016 Argentum Heroes bring to the forefront the exceptional service
provided every day in senior living communities across the country,”
Balda said. “Because of the care and dedication exhibited by individuals
like the 2016 Heroes, more seniors are living their best lives.”

About Argentum

Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, accessibility,
independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults.
Argentum’s programs promote business and operational excellence designed
to foster innovation and entrepreneurism in the field of senior living.
Visit Argentum’s website at www.argentum.org.

Contacts

Argentum
Sharon Cohen, Editor
scohen@argentum.org