The North Carolina Assisted Living Association (NCALA) gathered providers, executives, and frontline professionals from across the state for its 2025 Fall Conference and Trade Show, took place October 7–9 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem. In addition to education, networking, and regulatory updates, the conference served as the stage for one of NCALA’s most meaningful traditions: recognizing those who make assisted living in North Carolina exceptional.
About the NCALA Hero Awards
The NCALA Hero Awards are presented by the North Carolina Assisted Living Association to recognize and honor individuals who work in assisted living communities and demonstrate exceptional dedication and compassionate service. These awards highlight individuals who go “above and beyond” in their roles, often celebrating those who have a significant positive impact on residents, families, and their colleagues.
At its core, the program exists to shine a light on the people in assisted living who lead with heart, those who show exceptional leadership, compassion, and a steady commitment to improving life for residents and their communities. NCALA honors winners for the kinds of contributions that don’t always make headlines but matter most: helping residents stay as independent as possible, protecting their privacy and dignity, and tending to their overall well-being.
To do that, NCALA recognizes excellence at every level. The Hero Awards celebrate caregivers and support staff on the front lines, while the Community Leadership Award honors executive directors and administrators who set the tone for quality care. All of these awards are presented together each year at the NCALA Fall Conference & Trade Show, so the entire field can celebrate them.
Each NCALA Hero Award winner receives:
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$1,000
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A free 2025 conference registration (with CEUs)
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A framed certificate from the Governor’s Office
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One complimentary hotel night in Winston-Salem prior to the luncheon
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Recognition in The NCALA Advisor and on NCALA social media channels
2025 NCALA Hero Award Recipients
This year, NCALA selected three individuals whose daily work reflects the heart of assisted living: honoring individuality, supporting independence, and treating every resident with dignity.
Moses Phillips, Director of Maintenance, Chatham Ridge
Moses represents the often-unsung heroes of senior living—those who ensure the environment is safe, welcoming, and truly “home” for residents. His willingness to tailor solutions to resident needs, protect their privacy, and respond with kindness made him stand out.
Jeneise Vines, Resident Care Coordinator, CNA, Brookdale Wake Forest
Jeneise blends clinical skill with deep compassion. She advocates for resident choice, encourages independence where appropriate, and supports families through the care journey. Her approach to person-centered care is exactly what the Hero Award is designed to recognize.
Noelle Satterfield, Resident Care Director, Sunrise of Cary
Noelle leads with empathy and professionalism, ensuring care plans reflect not just medical needs but the preferences, routines, and personalities of residents. Her work promotes dignity and well-being for every person in her community.
NCALA Community Leadership Award
While the Hero Awards spotlight frontline excellence, NCALA also honors leadership at the community level through its Community Leadership Award. This award recognizes one executive director/administrator of an NCALA member assisted living community who serves as an ideal representative and role model for the thousands of leaders across the state. Executive directors are responsible for the overall day-to-day operation of a senior living community—balancing resident care, staff development, compliance, family relationships, and business performance.
This year’s Community Leadership Award winner is Elizabeth Newton, Executive Director, Brookdale Skeet Club. Elizabeth was selected for her steady leadership, commitment to resident-centered service, and ability to build strong, mission-driven teams. Her work demonstrates what high-quality assisted living leadership looks like in practice.
Like the Hero Award recipients, the Community Leadership Award winner receives:
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$1,000
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A free 2025 conference registration (with CEUs)
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A framed certificate from the Governor’s Office
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A complimentary hotel night in Winston-Salem prior to the luncheon
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Recognition in The NCALA Advisor and on NCALA social media
Elevating the Profession
By presenting these awards at the Fall Conference and Trade Show, NCALA not only celebrates individual achievement—it also reinforces what “good” looks like in assisted living across North Carolina: privacy protected, independence honored, spirits nurtured, and leaders who model all of the above. Congratulations to the 2025 honorees!