Chuck Childress Named ‘Administrator of the Year’ by TAHSA

How were you nominated?
One of the staff here, I guess wrote the nomination, I’m not sure.
It goes to TAHSA along with all the other award nominations and they are voted on by the group of TAHSA members around the state. Each chapter has a representative who participates.

How long have you been in this business?
Since 1998—at Parkway Place since 1998. I started as a social worker in the nursing center. Before then, I worked at a hospital… I have a resume, I’ll print it out.

What does it mean to you getting this award?
It’s a really big honor. It’s a humbling experience to know that your staff feels strongly enough about what you do to go to that much trouble. I guess what makes it such a great experience; I don’t think I could be in this position of leadership if I didn’t have such support from the staff. They’re the ones who really make this place run. It’s kind of like you want to share it with them. I w as very surprised, too.

When did you find out?
I’m one of the representatives, and we meet at board meeting in January and I heard the final results. I abstained from a lot of the voting, that was one of the ones I abstained from. But that’s how it works.

Did you ever expect something like this, since you haven’t been in the business very long?
No, I didn’t. I guess that’s what makes it so surprising because becoming executive director when I did was a big surprise. It’s been a very rewarding and challenging position. I am very young in the business, so I was surprised.

What set you apart from the others?
I don’t know, Doyle and I say that if his people had written better than he would have won. He says it’s all in the writing. It’s all about the people and how strongly they feel about you. I think there are a lot of other administrators of the year out there who are equally deserving of this honor as I am.

Someone at TAHSA?
Jessica Blanchard-

CRITERIA --
This award recognizes outstanding service in a facility by an administrator. The nominee must possess outstanding
leadership and supervisory skills, and be actively involved with residents, family members, and volunteers.
The nominee must have worked for the current organization or facility for a minimum of three years.

Please address the following:

1. What innovative ideas has this person used to improve the work environment for their employees?

2. What leadership and supervisory qualities does this person have in order to effectively monitor and direct the nursing home staff?

3. What has this person done above and beyond normal job responsibilities?

Jessica Blanchard, TAHSA Member Services Manager
“It’s a way for people to recognize their peers, recognize the people in their community who do a good job—mainly recognition for all their hard work.”

WE don’t discuss it as a group. I think what they look for is someone who’s done a good job and grown their program. I don’t talk to them about why they vote on specific people, they’re supposed to compare them to those topics and compare. I can’t say though, I can’t speak for them. There were 6 reps voting, they’re 8 chapters but we didn’t have reps for 2 chapters. We’re doing it based on, we get however many nominations.

How many noms were there this year?
Overall, about 130…for each indiv. Category, anywhere from 3-10…I think for administrator there were probably 5 people nominated.