Please join The Manor in congratulating our Administrator and Executive Director, Lynn Smith, on being chosen "Business Leader of the Year" by the Lamoille Region Chamber of Commerce. Lynn will be honored at the Chamber's Annual Dinner, Wednesday, March 1st at the Stoweflake Resort and Spa in Stowe, VT. Lynn was chosen for her continued efforts to grow and maintain excellence for Manor residents, family, staff and community. Here is the nomination in its entirety:
Lynn Smith has served as Administrator and Executive Director of The Manor since 2006. Under her leadership over the last 12 years, the facility has become a fiscally sound, innovative and leading health care facility and employer in Lamoille County. Today, the long term care and short term rehabilitation facility is recognized as a quality nursing home by the State of Vermont and as one of the top nursing homes nationwide by the American Health Care Association. This recognition not only represents The Manor, its residents and employees, but underscores the overall quality of healthcare services available in North-Central Vermont and spotlights the true visionary qualities of its Administrator, Lynn Smith. In partnership with CHSLV, Copley Health Systems, Lamoille Home Health & Hospice, Lamoille County Mental Health, and other leading health care and Lamoille county businesses; Lynn Smith and The Manor are critical partners in the continuum of health care and business leadership for all of Lamoille County.
Ms Smith is wholly focused on involving The Manor positively and proactively within the community. She understands that The Manor's community engagement is a point of vitality for residents; and, in return, is an opportunity for the community to participate in life at The Manor as well - both for volunteering and career opportunities. The facility works closely with Vermont Technical College and GMTCC to train, intern, and hire staff; has participated in outreach within the community through the "Breakfast on Us" program, has raised and donated funds to various groups; and provides weekly homemade snacks to disadvantaged school children. Smith has encouraged participation in community activities like the annual 4th of July Parade, and in community giving by encouraging both staff and resident involvement to participate in sponsorships of families in need - especially at holiday time. She is always looking for ways to contribute to and be more involved in the local community as a way of giving back as well as engaging residents actively and positively in the greater Lamoille community.
The Manor is one of Lamoille County's largest employers and is home to 72 individuals who choose nursing center and residential care. To be recognized by US News & World Report as one of America's Best Nursing Homes and to have earned recognition by both the State of Vermont as a Quality Nursing Home and by the AHCA as both a Bronze and a Silver Award Recipient is a direct result of the positive culture change and management savvy Lynn Smith has cultivated these past 12 years. Under her leadership, the facility saw a dramatic positive turnaround in its financial wellbeing; attracted a Board Certified Medical Director, and has employed a stable workforce with a 10% reduction in employee turnover in just the last year. Under Smith's leadership, the facility has become a state leader in the reduction of use of anti-psychotic drugs among residents; choosing, instead, to adopt behavioral-based models of care that serve persons with dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and other diseases of aging without relying so heavily on drugs to manage that care.
The facility underwent a partial renovation in 2012 to improve flow throughout the building while adding additional services like a dental clinic - which is rarely available to nursing home residents on site; and she continues to adapt the facility to reflect the needs and interests of its residents. Smith hired an Executive Chef in 2013 who has engaged Smith's Hospitality model of service within the facility in both dining and housekeeping services. A Life Enrichment staff of 5, enhanced by a number of dedicated volunteers brings vitality to residential life. Smith continues to endorse and support numerous leadership positions throughout the community by her staff including participation on local school boards, membership in and Board participation on the Lamoille Region Chamber of Commerce, an appointment to the Lamoille County Mental Health Board, and leadership positions within the Morristown Fire Department, among many others.
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we honor Lynn Smith, Executive Director and Administrator at The Manor as the Lamoille Region Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.