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.
Community Leadership Award
Honors an executive director who has demonstrated remarkable leadership in managing and fostering an engaged, supportive senior living environment.
Alda Tole
Executive Director
The Cottages of New Lenox
New Lenox, IL
Alda Tole, Executive Director at Charter Senior Living for her extraordinary resilience and perseverance, building a remarkable senior living career from caregiver to Executive Director after immigrating to the United States at 19 and navigating more than two decades of legal uncertainty. Through authenticity, trust-building, and unwavering dedication to residents and families, she has created meaningful impact while leading by example and lifting others as she rises.
Emergency Response Leadership Award
Recognizes an individual who has shown extraordinary resilience and swift decision-making in protecting and supporting seniors during crises.
Patrice O’Grady
Administrator
Silverado
Calabasas Memory Care Community
Calabasas, CA
Patrice O’Grady, Administrator at Silverado Senior Living, demonstrated exceptional leadership during the January 7, 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfire, calmly and decisively evacuating all 48 residents of Silverado Calabasas Memory Care, many living with dementia and receiving hospice services, under rapidly escalating, life-threatening conditions. She led with composure and compassion through power loss, evacuation, and nine days of displacement, ensuring residents’ safety, dignity, and emotional well-being while supporting families, associates, and even neighboring communities. Patrice’s selfless courage, collaborative spirit, and unwavering presence exemplify the highest standard of senior living leadership.
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.
Laly Salais
Care Manager
Sunrise at Cherry Creek
Denver, CO
Maria ‘Laly’ Salais, Care Manager at Sunrise Senior Living, has served the Sunrise community since 2002, delivering consistent, compassionate care to countless residents while adapting through decades of change in technology, memory care, and resident support. Her resilience, dedication including steadfast service through the COVID-19 pandemic and commitment to growth embody excellence in senior living.
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.
Kate Kensinger
Marketing & Messaging Director
Juniper Communities
Bloomfield, NJ
Katie Kensinger, Marketing & Messaging Director at Juniper Communities, was nominated for her innovative leadership in bringing meaningful theatrical experiences to older adults, redefining engagement and creative expression in senior living. Drawing on a lifelong passion for the arts and service, she empowered residents to overcome fear, build confidence, and rediscover joy through accessible Broadway-style productions. Her work demonstrates exceptional creativity, compassion, and leadership, with a lasting impact on resident well-being and community connection.
Rising Star Award
Honors an outstanding newcomer to the industry who has quickly made a meaningful difference in your community or operations.
Krystyna Keena
National Director of Brand Creative
Senior Lifestyle
Chicago, IL
Krystyna Keena, National Director of Brand Creative at Senior Lifestyle for excellence grounded in lived experience, having grown up immersed in a senior living community where she learned firsthand the value of dignity, connection, and purpose in aging. Guided by empathy, ethical leadership, and deep respect for residents’ stories, she brings an authentically human approach to her work that challenges outdated perceptions and elevates senior living.
We proudly recognize additional team members whose outstanding contributions deserve a shout out. These individuals consistently go the extra mile in their communities.
Justin Thomas
Executive Director
Belmont Village Geneva Road
Carol Stream, IL
Nicole Nation
Executive Director
American House Southgate
Riverview, MI
Nila Soliz
Maintenance Director
Clearwater Ahwatukee
Phonix, AZ
Jenna Schneider
Divisional Engage Life Director
Atria Senior Living
Louisville, KY
Sam Notowich
Executive Director
Heritage at Irene Woods
Memphis, TN
