They are women who have overseen massive growth at their companies, completed multiple degrees, overcome tragedy and mentored younger employees. They are the impressive inaugural Hall of Honor recipients in the McKnight’s Women of Distinction program, who were announced by program organizers on Wednesday.

The elite class of 19 women in the joint McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living’s program comprise top providers at an executive level in skilled nursing or senior living organizations.

“When we created the Women of Distinction program, we suspected we might tap into unsung heroines within the industry, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the tremendous response,” said McKnight’s Publisher Craig Roth. “These Women of Distinction reflect the phenomenal talent within the industry. It’s a privilege to honor them.”

The Women of Distinction Rising Stars recipients were chosen by an national, independent panel of industry judges. The Lifetime Achievement honoree will be announced later this month.

All recipients will be celebrated the evening of May 16 in Chicago. PointClickCare is the program’s exclusive platinum sponsor. Those who want to learn more, or wish to attend, can click here for ticket and other information. Winners will be contacted with additional details.

Questions about the event? Contact Bianca Andia at [email protected]

Hall of Honor Class of 2019

Lori Alford, COO, Avanti Senior Living, Conroe, TX

Brenda Bacon, President and CEO, Brandywine Senior Living, Mt. Laurel, NJ

Winsome Bent, Regional Director, The Bristal Assisted Living, North Hills, NY

Crystal Bowens, Ph.D., President, CB Strategies and Solutions, Demorest, GA

Pilar Carvajal, CEO, Innovation Senior Management, Miami

Leslie Cunningham Campbell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Diversicare, Brentwood, TN

Jamie Dlatt, Vice President of Operations, Legacy Healthcare, Chicago

Kim Estes Elliott, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Brookdale, Nashville, TN

Kimberly D. Green, Chief Operating Officer, Diakonos Group, Edmund, OK

Stephanie Harris, CEO and Principal, Arrow Senior Living, St. Charles, MO

Andrea Leebron-Clay, Owner, Nightingale Healthcare, Seattle

Mary Leary, CEO and President, Mather LifeWays, Evanston, IL

Barb Masella, Vice President of Operations, HCF Management, Lima, OH

Alla Onitskansky, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, Genesis Rehab, Lyndhurst, OH

Tammy Jo Painter, Vice President of Compliance and Operations, American Medical Facilities Management, Charleston, WV

Jolene Roberts, President, Hillcrest Health Services, Bellevue, NE

Kathryn Roberts, CEO Emeritus, Ecumen, Minneapolis

Katie Smith Sloan, LeadingAge President and CEO, Washington, D.C.

Lizzy Straus, Executive Vice President, CareOne, Fort Lee, NJ