Call for ACHCA Awards 2024

ACHCA Awards honor new and seasoned administrators, members and non-members, business partners, chapters and districts, and other leaders in the field. Explore the award category that fits your interest and nominate yourself, a colleague, a chapter leader, a service provider/vendor, a preceptor, a mentor, or an organization that promotes excellence in post-acute and aging services leadership.

2025 Nominations Now Open
Deadline to Submit: January 24, 2025

ACHCA Distinguished Service Award

New Nursing Home Administrator + New Assisted Living Administrator Awards

ACHCA Outstanding Member Award

Business Partner Award

Our Mission: ACHCA is the catalyst for excellence in post-acute and aging services leadership.

Our Vision: To be the premier membership organization providing professional leadership development opportunities for post-acute and aging services health care administrators. Dynamic leadership forges post-acute and aging health care services that are desired, meaningful, successful, and efficient.

Self-nominations are acceptable when accompanied by a member’s co-nomination.
Nominees may be nominated for multiple awards. However, supportive documentation for each award should be tailored to match each award’s criteria.
Current ACHCA national officers and board members are ineligible.
Nominators and those writing letters of support are encouraged to cite examples of how the nominee meets the award criteria, including applicable metrics when possible. Examples might include publicly available data (quality measures, star rating, etc.), resident/employee satisfaction data, survey results, and other sources of information.
An individual or partner that has received an award within the timeframe of five years, cannot be nominated for the same award.

Chapter/District Awards

This award recognizes an ACHCA chapter/district for their work to build and improve the chapter/district, service to its members, and/or impact in its community or the industry at large. Chapters and Districts may submit one, or a maximum of three, nominations if they have multiple initiatives worthy of award consideration.

Examples of activities that might warrant award nomination include:

Membership recruitment or retention programs
Student/AIT membership efforts
Educational/networking events
Advocacy initiatives
Philanthropic activities that benefit the chapter or others
Fundraising activities
Enhancements to the member experience
Other projects or activities that have a positive impact and are aligned with the mission of ACHCA

Nomination Requirements
Submit a letter of nomination outlining why the chapter/district is deserving of an award for its project or initiative (please be specific). Include at least one additional letter in support of the nomination. Letters of nomination must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the name of the chapter or district. Letters of nomination must address the following questions:

What is the name of the chapter/district initiative?
Describe how the chapter/district executed the initiative – who was involved, what steps were taken, etc.
What impact has the initiative had on the chapter/district, its members, and/or other stakeholders? Metrics or numbers are not required but preferred.

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Distinguished Nursing Home Administrator Award

This award aims to recognize a Fellow of ACHCA who has demonstrated the highest professional standards as an administrator in post-acute and aging services, specifically, the nursing home setting.

Eligibility Requirements

Currently licensed nursing home administrator
ACHCA Fellow in good standing
A leader in post-acute and aging services for at least five years
Participation in national ACHCA conferences within the past five years preferred

Nomination Requirements: Submit two letters – A letter of nomination from the nominator + one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the name of the nominee. The nominator's letter must address these questions:

How has the nominee improved the health and welfare of residents in the nursing home setting?
How has the nominee contributed to, or set an example for, post-acute and aging services leadership?
What outstanding accomplishments have been achieved by the nominee in the field of nursing home administration?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

Distinguished Assisted Living Administrator Award

This award aims to recognize a Fellow of ACHCA who has demonstrated the highest professional standards as an administrator in post-acute and aging services, specifically, the assisted living setting.

Eligibility Requirements

ACHCA Fellow in good standing
Practiced as an assisted living administrator for a minimum of five years
Participation in national ACHCA conferences within the past five years preferred

Nomination Requirements: Submit two letters – A letter of nomination from the nominator + one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the name of the nominee. The nominator’s letter must address the following question:

How does the nominee demonstrate excellence in an area of assisted living including facility management, corporate leadership, academia, research, publishing, or other noteworthy activities?

ACHCA Distinguished Service Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize an ACHCA Fellow who has demonstrated distinguished service to ACHCA and leadership within the profession of post-acute and aging services administration. 

Eligibility Requirements

ACHCA member in good standing for a minimum of 4 years
ACHCA Fellow (at time of nomination)
Has served as a national officer, board member, or on an ACHCA Committee. (Nominee may currently serve on national or chapter committees or as a chapter officer)
Participation in national ACHCA conferences within the past five years preferred

Nomination Requirements: Submit two letters – A letter of nomination from the nominator + one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the name of the nominee. The nominator’s letter must address these questions:

How has the nominee contributed to or set an example for post-acute and aging services leadership?
What outstanding accomplishments have been achieved by the nominee?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

List examples of the nominee’s dedication and commitment to ACHCA (include dates, names of committees and positions held, accomplishments, and responsibilities).

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New Nursing Home Administrator Award and New Assisted Living Administrator Award

Each award aims to recognize an ACHCA member who has been a practicing administrator for five years or less and has demonstrated exceptional commitment and potential as a leader, innovator, and motivator in post-acute and aging services as well as in ACHCA.

Eligibility Requirements

ACHCA member in good standing
Currently licensed administrator, if applicable
Practiced as a Nursing Home Administrator for five years or less at the time of nomination OR
Practiced as an Assisted Living Administrator for five years or less at the time of nomination

Nomination Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must address these questions:

How has the nominee improved the health and welfare of residents in a nursing home or assisted living community?
How has the nominee contributed to or set an example in post-acute and aging services?
What potential does the nominee show for leadership in ACHCA?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

ACHCA Outstanding Member Award

This award aims to recognize members who have made extraordinary commitments to ACHCA’s mission.

Eligibility Requirements

ACHCA member in good standing for a minimum of 2 years

Nomination Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must address:

How has the nominee made extraordinary contributions of time and effort to advance the mission of ACHCA?

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AIT Preceptor Award

This award recognizes an administrator who has made an exceptional contribution to the success of an administrator-in-training for whom he/she has been a preceptor.

Eligibility Requirements

Preference will be given to nominees who are ACHCA members, particularly Fellows
Nominees who have been a preceptor for multiple AITs are preferred.

Nomination Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation. The letter should be from someone who was/is an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) under the nominee’s preceptorship. The letter must address these questions:

How has the nominee invested in the success of an Administrator-in-Training?
How has the nominee contributed to, or set an example for, post-acute and aging services leadership?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

Public Service Award

This award recognizes an individual who has promoted positive public awareness related to the field of post-acute and aging services.

Eligibility Requirements

Champion and leader in post-acute and aging services who consistently advocates for post-acute and aging services
Consistent with ACHCA’s mission and vision
A significant role in improving the quality of post-acute and aging services
Knowledge, commitment, and a demonstrated ability to educate and advocate on behalf of post-acute and aging services
Recognized for expertise – policy, research, advocacy, or innovation in the field of post-acute and aging services
Highly respected and a catalyst for inspiring others in post-acute and aging services
The nominee does not have to be a member of ACHCA

Nomination Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation. It is also recommended that the nominator submit two to four examples of the nominee’s work in public service/awareness (e.g., copies of presentations, white papers or testimony, articles or books published, and evidence of other activities designed to increase community or public awareness). Samples will not be returned. The letter must address these questions:

How does the nominee’s work in public service advance the field of post-acute and aging services?
How has the nominee contributed to the integrity of the post-acute and aging services field?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

Education Award

This award recognizes an individual for the educational program(s), seminar(s), or workshop(s) that, because of their content, innovative approach, or other special components, have made an outstanding contribution to education in post-acute and aging services.

Eligibility for the Education Award will be based on supporting documentation. The nominee does not have to be a member of ACHCA.

Nomination Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation. It is also recommended that the nominator submit two to four examples of the nominee’s work in education (e.g., course syllabi, handouts, course bibliography, evaluations, brochures, etc.). Examples should not exceed ten total pages and will not be returned. The nominator's letter must address these questions:

How does the nominee’s work in education advance post-acute and aging services?
How has the nominee contributed to the integrity of the post-acute and aging services field?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

Journalism Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization for excellent journalistic achievement representing fair and accurate content related to the post-acute and aging services industry during the twelve months before the award nomination submission.

Eligibility for the Journalism Award will be based on supporting documentation. The nominee does not have to be a member of ACHCA.

Nomination Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation. It is also recommended that the nominator submit two to four examples of the nominee’s work (e.g., television and radio program recordings, newspaper or magazine articles, blogs, photo essays, etc.). Examples should not exceed ten total pages and will not be returned. The nominator's letter must address these questions:

How does the nominee’s work represent fair and accurate content related to the post-acute and aging services environment?
How has the nominee contributed to the integrity of the post-acute and aging services field?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

Mentor Award

This award recognizes an ACHCA Fellow who has been an asset to the ACHCA mentor program and has developed a successful and committed relationship with their protégé. This relationship has allowed the protégé to enhance their connection to ACHCA and continue to grow within the post-acute and aging services administration profession.

Eligibility Requirements

ACHCA member in good standing for a minimum of 4 years
ACHCA Fellow (at time of nomination)
Been a Mentor in the last six months
Participation in national ACHCA conferences within the past five years is preferred
Devoted one hour per month to the program

Nomination Requirements: Submit one letter of recommendation that addresses:

How has the nominee contributed to or set an example for the protégé in post-acute and aging services leadership?
What qualities does the nominee possess that make them an excellent mentor?
How has the nominee’s guidance enhanced the protégé’s career growth and leadership development?
Why is the nominee deserving of this award?

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Business Partner Award

This award recognizes a product/service provider who has contributed their time and resources to the mission of promoting excellence in post-acute and aging services leadership, has encouraged other vendors and members to participate in ACHCA conferences and partnerships, and has volunteered their resources to ACHCA beyond expectations.

Nomination Requirements: To nominate a company for the Business Partner Award, an ACHCA voting member must write a letter of recommendation addressing the questions below. A Business Partner may not win this award for two successive years.

The letter of nomination must address the following questions:

How does the partner’s product/service benefit post-acute and aging services?
How does the partner support ACHCA? (Consider national, state, and local activities)
Does the partner support its employees’ participation in ACHCA activities?
How does the partner support you (the nominator) in your endeavors to be active in ACHCA?

*It is also recommended to describe attributes of excellence the company has demonstrated within the post-acute and aging services field or its local community.

ACHCA Champion Award

This award recognizes a state, national, or international organization for their support of, or collaboration with, ACHCA.

The initiative or service provided by the nominated organization must be consistent with ACHCA’s mission and vision. The organization must have collaborated with and/or supported ACHCA on a national, district, and/or chapter level.
Examples of collaborative initiatives include, but are not limited to, financial, promotional, joint programming, and shared services.

Nomination Requirements: The letter of recommendation must be submitted by an ACHCA member or chapter. The letter should describe how the organization supported or collaborated with ACHCA. If there were individuals who spearheaded this initiative, please include their name, affiliation, and a description of their contribution.

The nomination is for an organization – not an individual. The organization may be either for-profit or not-for-profit.
The organization has substantially supported ACHCA on a national, district and/or chapter level within the last year.
Product or service vendors are not eligible for this award nomination. Nominations for product/service providers should be submitted under the Business Partner Award category.

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