Stephanie Norsen Named 2023 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Surrounded by more than 800 of Florida’s finest long term care professionals along with her family and team members, Stephanie Norsen (center), administrator of Island Lake Center in Longwood, was honored as the 2023 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year by Florida Health Care Association (FHCA). The award, presented July 25 during FHCA’s Annual Conference in Orlando, is the highest honor given to a nursing home administrator in Florida’s long term care profession.

“Stephanie exemplifies the principles of leadership and the importance of treating residents and staff like family,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Her leadership and tireless dedication have led to superior outcomes for residents and positive experiences for staff. She is truly deserving of this prestigious award.”

 Norsen began her career in long term care almost 25 years ago, and along the way always recognized the importance of being a servant leader. Norsen started as a dietary aide at the age of 18 and quickly climbed the career ladder to work as receptionist, payroll coordinator and office manager in various nursing centers. In 2013, Norsen became an Administrator in Training (AIT) and shortly thereafter earned her Nursing Home Administrator license. Three years later, Norsen became a Florida Certified Preceptor, which allows her to train and mentor individuals who are preparing to become nursing home administrators. She then graduated from FHCA’s Florida Leaders program, taking the skills she learned along the way to help cultivate future leaders in long term care.

“Stephanie has a passion for delivering high quality care, and over the past decade has helped her centers achieve the Silver Quality Award, deficiency free surveys and Joint Commission reaccreditation,” said Tricia Thacker, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Health, the parent organization for Island Lake Center. “Fellow administrators often call on Stephanie for guidance on ways to enhance their culture and the quality care they deliver.”

The 2023 Nursing Home Administrator of the Year award is part of Florida Health Care Association’s Long Term Care Achievement Awards, sponsored by Elite Medical Staffing, which were presented during the FHCA 2023 Annual Conference, July 23-27 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. These awards annually also honor an Assisted Living Facility Administrator of the Year, Resident of the Year, and several professionals and community volunteers for their service and dedication to long term care.  For more information about FHCA’s Long Term Care Achievement Awards, visit the FHCA website at http://www.fhca.org/membership/ltcawards. 

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14, 2023

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org