Suzanne Hodge Pugh receives Excellence in Leadership Award from LeadingAge North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - May 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Aldersgate President & CEO Suzanne Hodge Pugh received the Excellence in Leadership Award from LeadingAge North Carolina, the state association representing not-for-profit long-term care facilities, Wednesday, May 14, at the association’s annual spring conference.

The Excellence in Leadership Award “recognizes those employees regardless of their role within a member organization who demonstrate leadership within their team that is impactful, effective, motivational, and consistent,” according to the award submission information provided by LeadingAge NC.

Pugh was nominated by Aldersgate’s Senior Leadership Team based on her track record of strength, integrity, vision and passion since starting at Aldersgate as Director of Marketing in 1996. At the time, Aldersgate was undergoing a campus expansion and change to the style of retirement services offered. Pugh was able to successfully communicate those changes and helped redefine Aldersgate’s offerings and marketing strategy in an area becoming more and more crowded with competitors.

In 2008, she received her Healthcare Administrator License and was named Chief Operating Officer.  During this time, Pugh’s vision for the healthcare centers at Aldersgate included achieving Medicare certification at Asbury Care Center, Aldersgate’s skilled nursing facility, and evaluating the culture of care delivery across all care levels to further enhance the feeling of “home” for residents and their families.

Since being appointed President and CEO of Aldersgate in 2011, Pugh has further refined her vision for Aldersgate to include a formal strategic planning process; creation of Risk Management, Ethics, and Safety committees; and shifting the focus on resident care to a person-centered approach, including a formalized training program for staff members to help implement these concepts.

In October, 2012, Pugh graduated from the LeadingAge Leadership Academy, where she continues to stay involved throughout mentorship and participation on the Board. Additionally, she works with the Shamrock Drive Development Association, Charlotte Museum of History, and the Eastside Council to help improve the quality of life and cultural offerings on the east side of Charlotte.

“Suzanne’s track record of dedication and devotion to the residents of Aldersgate has been fundamental to increasing the quality of life for senior adults within the community,” said William K. Springs, Chair of Aldersgate’s Board of Directors.

This award receipt marks the fourth time in six years that Aldersgate has been recognized by LeadingAge North Carolina.

Randy Cook, Aldersgate’s Manager of Facility Services & Security, was named Outstanding Employee in the category of Environmental Services in 2012.  Aldersgate’s Director of Nursing, Yvette Porterfield, was honored in 2011 with the Nurse of the Year Award, given for outstanding service provided by a nurse.  In 2008, former Aldersgate President Ray Hall received the LeadingAge North Carolina Award of Honor for his 25 years of service and lasting contributions to the long-term care industry.

About Aldersgate

Since 1948, Aldersgate United Methodist Retirement Community has provided excellent continuing care services for older adults through independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing lifestyle options.  For more information about Aldersgate, please contact Tim Rogers, Director of Mission Advancement, at (704) 532-7090, or visit our website at www.aldersgateccrc.com.