Vetter Senior Living President Glenn Van Ekeren last week received the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) Jack Vetter CEO Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s Fall CEO Conference in Coronado, Calif.

His undaunting positivity in making Vetter a premier performer in providing seniors with the highest quality care through his fervent belief in mission and culture has resulted in a three-word industry code for being the best of the best in the sector: the Vetter Way.  

In a note of thanks for the award, Van Ekeren, who is also a prolific author and a frequent contributor to Park Place Live, said “to be recognized is one thing but to be recognized alongside Jack [Vetter] is incredibly SPECIAL. He believed in me when he shouldn’t have but we made it happen together!!!”

In explaining the Van Ekeren selection for the award, Julie Painter, vice president, constituency affairs and governance for AHCA, said it is clear why he earned the honor.

“Glenn is one of the strongest leaders in the long-term care profession. He leads his work with a resident-first philosophy both personally and through the ‘Dignity in Life’ mission at Vetter Health Services,” she said.

“His strategic vision that has led to expanding Vetter’s continuum of care and his integrity and consistency lead to an unwavering commitment to quality and mission alignment.”

The association has worked with Van Ekeren through his capacity as president of Vetter Health Services, collaborating with him for long-term care initiatives, healthcare coalitions, and AHCA/NCAL engagements. “He’s a former board member and chair of the Regional Multi-Facility Council. Throughout our work with Glenn, he has consistently been a partner for AHCA/NCAL, an advocate for providers, and an example for the long-term care profession through leadership and action,” Painter said.

Specifically, Van Ekeren has advocated for improving workforce development strategies across the industry and shared Vetter’s best practices around talent engagement and selection. “He benefits the entire long term care profession,” she said. “Vetter’s consistently high Five-Star ratings under Glenn’s leadership inspire industry-wide quality improvement and show how a mission-based approach produces measurable results.”

His legacy stretches beyond even the long-term care profession, with a litany of books and speaking engagements as proof, including his latest new book for sale on Amazon titled, “Leadership Matters…Make Where You Work a Place People Love to Be.”

Questions or comments? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.