Nominations are now open for the second annual McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards program, recognizing industry veterans who are setting new standards, driving change, providing guidance and inspiring others in the industry.

The Pinnacle Awards are coordinated by McKnight’s Home Care, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News.

“We’re excited to once again honor deserving individuals who not only have reached the top of the profession but have managed to remain there for years,” McKnight’s Publisher Craig Roth said. “Last year’s program was a phenomenal success, and we look forward to building on such a well-received program to recognize individuals who inspire everyone in the industry.”

Professionals with at least 20 years of experience who still are active in the home care, senior living or skilled nursing fields are eligible to be nominated by others. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

The program offers multiple awards across several tracks.

The tracks:

  • Home care / home health / hospice — for-profit and nonprofit 
  • Senior living (independent living, assisted living, memory care and/or continuing care retirement/life plan community) — for-profit 
  • Senior living (independent living, assisted living, memory care and/or continuing care retirement/life plan community) — nonprofit 
  • Skilled nursing — for-profit 
  • Skilled nursing — nonprofit 

The awards categories:

  • Setting the Standard Award
  • Agent of Change Award
  • Inspiration Award
  • Thought Leader Award
  • Unsung Hero Award

Awards also will given in these two categories, covering all tracks:

  • Industry Ally (for elected officials, high-level government administrators, trade group members, analysts, influential academics or researchers, other thought leaders, etc.)
  • Business Partner (for vendors/sponsors that have helped move the sector forward)

In addition, one Career Achievement Award will be bestowed, as determined by program organizers. 

The standard deadline for nominations is Oct. 20, with an entry fee of $225. Nominations also will be accepted until an extended deadline of Nov. 5, for an entry fee of $285.

Finalists will be announced Dec. 11. Winners will be recognized at an in-person event March 21 in Chicago.Learn more and nominate someone here.