Editor’s note: McKnight’s Home Care, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living are profiling the McKnight’s 2022 Women of Distinction honorees daily July 5 through Aug. 10. For additional McKnight’s Women of Distinction content, visit this page.

Susan Grigg knew from a young age that she was destined to become a nurse.

“My grandmother was a nurse, so I grew up seeing the lives she touched and the loving care she extended to others. I intuitively knew that I was born to help others,” she said.

What she may not have known was just how much she has helped others throughout her career — so much so that she has been described as a “giant” of her profession.

“Standing just slightly over five feet tall, Sue Grigg is a giant in the long-term care arena,” McGuire Group/RCA/VestraCare Director of Corporate Communications Dawn Harsch said.

Grigg is the CEO for 17 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities and one assisted living facility across three portfolios: the McGuire Group, VestraCare and RCA Healthcare Management/Absolut Care.

As CEO, she is responsible for managing the operations and regulatory compliance of 4,200 employees and 3,200 residents. 

This responsibility became even larger when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Grigg, however, was up to the task.

“She has invested thousands of working hours over the last two years to stay abreast of changing regulations, integrate compliance protocols and research new clinical measures to ensure the health and safety of our residents and employees,” Harsch said. 

Before the virus reached the East Coast, Grigg worked to source personal protective equipment from all over the world. This proactive approach allowed the McGuire Group and its facilities to be well-equipped during the pandemic. The organization even organized a drive-through mask give-away at its corporate office.

Additionally, she was heavily involved in transforming one of the McGuire Group’s facilities into a specialized COVID-only center, which was designed to accept people from hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities in Western New York.

These actions, and many more, serve as indicators of Grigg’s status within long-term care. 

“Whether it’s guiding an organization through a global pandemic, establishing thresholds for industry best practices or serving as a role model and leader, Sue is a true blessing to the long-term care industry,” Harsch said.

The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Home Care, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare. Silver sponsors include OnShift and PharMerica, and the Bronze sponsor is Reliant Rehabilitation. Table sponsors included Dreamscape, Gojo/Purell and Sound Physicians.