Hero Awards - Heroes Showcase

Hero Award Winners

Congratulations to Our 2025 Hero Award Winners

Celebrating Those Who Go Above and Beyond

Behind every thriving senior living community are individuals who lead with compassion, act with purpose, and serve with heart. The Argentum Hero Awards honor those remarkable people who embody the very best of our industry.

This year’s honorees represent excellence across four distinct award categories. Each story highlights dedication, innovation, and unwavering care that truly make a difference in the lives of residents, families, and fellow team members.

Meet the 2025 Hero Winners

Community Leadership Award
Honors an executive director who has demonstrated remarkable leadership in managing and fostering an engaged, supportive senior living environment.

Tracy Covin
Executive Director
Highline Place Memory Care
Littleton, CO

Traci Colvin’s nomination stands out due to her transformative leadership and compassionate approach at Anthem Memory Care. She has successfully managed complex resident cases, leading to significant improvements in their well-being. Her hands-on leadership style not only elevated her team’s performance, as seen in the improvement of survey scores, but also maintained high occupancy rates and financial success for the community. Traci’s unique blend of clinical expertise and operational acumen has fostered a supportive environment, earning her community a stellar reputation and recognition as a “Memory Care Best Place to Live.”

Emergency Response Leadership Award
Recognizes an individual who has shown extraordinary resilience and swift decision-making in protecting and supporting seniors during crises.

Betty Murrell
Community Driver
Atria Hillcrest
Thousand Oaks, CA

Betty was nominated due to her extraordinary bravery and dedication during a critical emergency at Atria Senior Living. When a fire threatened the community, Betty, despite her mature age, took immediate action by driving the Atria bus through dangerous conditions to evacuate residents safely. Her calm demeanor and methodical approach under pressure ensured that all residents were securely transported to safety, even when other buses couldn’t reach the site. Betty’s unwavering commitment and heroic actions not only saved lives but also exemplified her passion for serving others, making her a true hero in the eyes of her community.

Rhonda Rakes
Administrator
Yadkin Valley Senior Living
Elkin, NC

Rhonda’s unwavering dedication and leadership during Hurricane Helene, which isolated the Jonas Ridge Assisted Living community. Despite numerous obstacles, Rhonda led a team from Yadkin Valley Senior Living, navigating blocked roads and dangerous conditions to deliver essential supplies and relief to the stranded community. Her determination and resourcefulness ensured the safety and well-being of residents and staff, exemplifying her commitment to service and her ability to lead under pressure. Rhonda’s actions not only provided immediate relief but also highlighted her exceptional leadership and compassion in times of crisis

Heart of Service Award
Celebrates a devoted team member whose long-term dedication and compassion have positively influenced residents, coworkers, and the community at large.

Rehana Tariq
Resident Assistant
Ida Culver House Broadway
Seattle, WA

Rehana Tariq’s has profoundly shaped the culture of care at Era Living through her remarkable 33-year commitment. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach have provided comfort and stability to residents, earning the trust of families and the admiration of coworkers. Rehana’s ability to connect deeply with residents, even in challenging situations, and her mentorship of generations of caregivers highlight her as a quiet yet powerful leader. Her personal journey, marked by resilience and empathy, has inspired not only her colleagues but also her daughters to pursue careers in healthcare, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and service.

Passion and Purpose Award
Highlights an employee whose innovative work—whether through a new service, program, or community connection—has made a lasting impact on resident experience and local engagement.

Kasey Larsen
Programming Director
The Falls at Cordingly Dam
Newton, MA

Kasey Larsen’s innovative approach to programming at Benchmark Senior Living is what made her nomination stand out. She has been a transformative force for over a decade. Her passion for ensuring memory care residents have equal opportunities is evident in her creation of unique programs like expressive arts therapy and exercise physiology, which have significantly enriched residents’ lives. Kasey’s dedication to continuous improvement and her ability to tailor experiences to individual needs have made The Falls at Cordingly Dam a leader in senior engagement programs. Her efforts have not only benefited residents but also inspired other Benchmark communities to adopt her successful programming model.

Hero Honorable Mentions

We proudly recognize additional team members whose outstanding contributions deserve a shout out. These individuals consistently go the extra mile in their communities.