Editor’s note: McKnight’s Home Care, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News are profiling the McKnight’s 2023 Women of Distinction honorees daily from July 5 to Aug. 15. For additional McKnight’s Women of Distinction content, visit this page.
Emily Erickson has a passion for using her skills to make a difference in her community. She spent the early part of her career as a pediatric nurse before transitioning into the senior living industry. Erickson holds a bachelor’s degree in registered nursing from King University. She was hired as the director of nursing for Retirement Unlimited Inc.’s senior living community, Bay Lake, in Virginia Beach, VA, after falling in love with RUI’s standard of service: “To deliver a lifestyle that residents have earned and deserved.”
As a result of her success and impact on the community, she soon made her way up the ladder and was promoted to regional director of clinical services and then eventually to the position of executive vice president of clinical services in August 2020. In that role, she oversaw clinical operations and compliance for RUI’s 20 communities throughout Virginia and Florida, providing independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Erickson also worked with RUI’s initiatives to better the community and cultivate the upcoming generation of healthcare workers.
Her vibrant personality, passion for people and extensive knowledge allowed her to thrive in this position of leadership, and she recently was promoted to the position of chief clinical officer after being named a Rising Star.
Through the company’s #RUIGIVESBACK program and its RUI Limitless program for interns, she has participated in several volunteer opportunities alongside residents, employees and interns, such as Feeding Southwest Virginia and Toys for Tots.
In addition to her work with RUI, Erickson acts as the chairperson of the Virginia Health Care Association/Virginia Center for Assisted Living VCAL Committee. This committee monitors legislation and researches trends and potential issues that would affect assisted living communities. With this information, the committee is able to suggest ideas and improvements to the communities. Erickson also is part of Argentum’s Clinical Quality Executive Roundtable.
The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Home Care, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. PointClickCare is the Diamond sponsor of this year’s program. PharMerica is the Silver sponsor. Additional sponsors include American HealthTech, Healthcare Services Group, Omnicare, Sentrics and ShiftKey.
Visit this web page to see lists of honorees from 2023 and previous years.
