Stein Assisted Living Executive Director Anna Simmons is the recipient of the 2019 Excellence in Leadership Award by LeadingAge New Jersey.
At a program held on December 4th in West Windsor Township, Anna was presented the award given to individuals who have demonstrated a career of outstanding service in the field of aging services and “enhanced the concept of professionalism by virtue of their leadership.”
A Solid Foundation
Anna began her work in healthcare in 1973, as a nursing assistant. In 1990, she joined the team at the Central New Jersey Jewish Home for the Aged as a Registered Nurse – a role in which she exhibited strong leadership qualities. She then went on to transition into the roles of Infection Control Coordinator, Staff Development, Risk Management and HIPAA Compliance Officer. After 14 years of exceptional care at the Jewish Home, she was appointed as Executive Director of the newly built Stein Assisted Living at The Wilf Campus for Senior Living. During her tenure, the Wilf Campus and its entities have seen many accomplishments. Tasked with managing a new facility and growing its census, Anna was able to bring in multiple new residents in just four years – filling it to capacity. She has since practiced close oversight of all significant areas of expense, resulting in a net excess for the facility every year since 2008. “Anna has always operated the facility in a fiscally responsible manner while ensuring that the standards of care have always been the most important factor,” according to Bob Barry, Wilf Campus President.
Respected by the Community
Residents and family members of the Stein Assisted Living community trust Anna to make decisions in the best interest of the place they call home. Anna is involved not only from a decision-making standpoint, but is frequently involved in the recreational activities that take place throughout the week – adding to the sense of community. Family members of former residents often stay involved with the facility by volunteering or attending High Holiday services – making it clear that a positive impact was made during their time spent there.
Exemplifying Leadership
Not only do the residents and family members of Stein Assisted Living find confidence in Anna, the staff of the entire Wilf Campus values her leadership as well. She currently manages approximately 90 employees in seven departments, all of whom she is sure to become familiar with. “I cannot tell you how much I have learned from working with Anna. She claims she is not a leader, but she leads by example every day,” says Karen Natkow, Resident Services Coordinator. “She is compassionate, insightful and values integrity in herself and others. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her and call her a friend.” Her dedication to the organization expands beyond Stein AL, as she has stepped up to support and manage during leadership transitions for both Wilentz Senior Residence and the Wilf Campus as a whole. “For me, Anna has been a mentor from whom I have learned so much. She is always there for the residents, families and staff whenever they need someone to talk to or to solve a problem. She is skilled at inspiring others to make a difference and ‘do the right thing,’ leading with integrity, but more importantly, she leads from the heart,” says Randi Rosen, Director of Marketing for Stein Assisted Living.
“I have been so fortunate to work for the Wilf Campus for the past 30 years. The Board of Directors have always supported me 100% and I share their commitment to our mission to care for our seniors. I am grateful to the many professional opportunities I have been afforded, but most grateful to be surrounded by a team of dedicated, talented and caring staff that ensure that our residents are cared for to the best of our abilities and in turn, the residents share their wisdom, their experiences and their grace.” –Anna Simmons
The Wilf Campus is proud to have had this dedicated and excellent leader on board for the past 30 years. Please feel free to send your congratulations to Anna by emailing [email protected].