The Annual Illinois Health Care Association Excellence Award Program recognizes the outstanding accomplishments that happens in long term care centers throughout Illinois.  Not only does this awards program recognize the amazing work by staff but also the work of centers as a whole.  Now, more than ever is the time to nominate your staff and center for astonishing efforts that have been exemplified to residents throughout this year.

IHCA loves to celebrate the hard-working and dedicated employees in your facility or business who are committed to long term care.  Members, this is your chance to nominate your employees and coworkers who have shown “excellence” in their work with residents, families, and other coworkers within the last year.  Tell us about the rock stars in your center so we can share their story with others during our 2026 Annual Convention & Expo in East Peoria, IL during the Opening Ceremony of Convention.

Nominations must be submitted by July 17, 2026. 

Click here to submit a nomination or the Excellence Award for Staff

Click here to submit your nomination for the Excellence Award for a Long Term Care Center.

For questions or more information about the 2026 IHCA Excellence Award Program, email Jackie Webb or call 217-528-6455.

Our 2025 Excellence Award winners are listed below. These individuals truly exemplify what "excellence in long term care" really means and the Illinois Health Care Association is honored to recognize them as such.

2025 Excellence Award Winners!

Long Term Care Center of the Year | The Springs of Monarch Landing

Associate Member of the Year | HPSI Purchasing Services

Administrator of the Year | Jenny Pierce | Saline Care Nursing and Rehabilitation

Administrator's Choice of the Year | Julie Howard | Hawthorne Inn of Danville

Business Office Professional of the Year | Evelyn Osterloo | Manor Court of Freeport

Activity Director of the Year | Jennifer Wuebbles | Coulterville Rehab and Health Care Center

Environmental Services of the Year | Christina Boyd | Coulterville Rehab and Health Care Center

Dietary / Food Services of the Year | Dee McDuffee | Coulterville Rehab and Health Care Center

Social Services of the Year | Christy Davenport | Pittsfield Manor

Facility / Maintenance of the Year | Tom Gooch | Hawthorne Inn of Danville

Social Media of the Year | Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living