Health

Statewide nonprofit names Peconic Landing VP ‘Pro of the Year’

 

The community center at the Peconic Landing campus in Greenport. (courtesy)
The community center at the Peconic Landing campus in Greenport. (Credit: Courtesy, file)

The old adage that “hard work pays off” rings true for Peconic Landing employee Patricia Lutzky, who was recently awarded LeadingAge New York’s “Professional of the Year” award.

LeadingAge New York is a non-profit organization that brings together different organizations and businesses with aging services, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities and more.

Ms. Lutzky currently serves as Peconic Landing’s vice president for resident services and was the third employee hired when the retirement community was just starting out in 1997.

Ms. Lutzky was nominated by John May, the Board Chair at Peconic Landing, Paul Connor, the Vice Chair and Robert J. Syron, the President and CEO.

Their letter of nomination reads: “Pat’s leadership impacts a broad scope of Resident Service activities including transportation, cultural arts, wellness and fitness programs, communication, family and guest concerns, customer service, social accountability and all 35 clubs and committees.”

They go on to note her work convincing the Metropolitan Opera and Bolshoi Ballet to conduct simulcast performances for residents, and ends stating that, “This letter does not, however, capture the spirit and intangible attributes that she brings to her relationships and service.”

Ms. Lutzky described winning the award as a surprised and said she was “humbled and honored” to earn the recognition.

“It’s a privilege to serve the senior population,” she said. “After 17 years of working here, I’ve come to know our residents so well. I know all of them, what they’ve accomplished in their lives, and have a great respect and understanding for why they are considered the greatest generation.”

The staff at Peconic Landing also made a congratulatory video for Ms. Lutzky, which she said was “one of the best gifts my colleagues could have given me.”

[Scroll down to watch the video]

The Professional of the Year award “was created to honor leadership staff for their outstanding efforts toward creating high quality experiences for seniors in care, services and housing,” according to LeadingAge New York’s website.

Kristen Myers, vice president of member services and marketing at LeadingAge New York, said that the Professional of the Year Award is the award for front-line leadership and described it as the company’s “hands-on category.”

She said that between one and three people are chosen to receive the award each year.

Employees from organizations and businesses that offer aging services can be nominated for the awards from their superiors, coworkers, residents or board members, and then a committee made up of LeadingAge New York staff members discusses to determine the winners.

“LeadingAge New York is pleased to recognize leaders in the fields of long term care, services, and housing in this state,” Ms. Myers said. “And to help members recognize their dedicated staff.”

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Click below to watch a fun video by Peconic Landing about Ms. Lutzky winning the award.