Rumford Community Home (RCH) Administrator Jeffrey Lacroix, LNHA received the 2017 New Administrator Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). Lacroix was presented the award at the ACHCA’s Annual Convocation and Exposition in St. Louis, MO.
The New Administrator award recognizes an ACHCA member who has been a practicing administrator for five years or less, and who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and potential as a leader, innovator, and motivator in long-term care and in the ACHCA.
According to ACHCA, “Lacroix accepts any challenge or task presented to him and promotes excellent performance. He sets an outstanding example for Administrators in long-term care and is highly deserving of this honor.”
As a child, Lacroix spent a significant amount of time with his grandparents, which helped him develop a connection with the elderly and determined his career path.
Lacroix entered the long-term care industry as an Activity Assistant and quickly noticed the organized chaotic nature of the industry.
“I wanted the challenge of balancing cultural change to benefit the residents while also meeting and exceeding state and federal expectations,” Lacroix said of his decision to become an administrator.
After a year and a half as an Activity Assistant, Lacroix entered into an Administrator in Training program and was assigned to lead Rumford Community Home. He views the facility as, “surrounded by multiple small communities, forming one common community. As a result, staff are caring for their own community members, which engages staff to a higher degree. Staff can approach leadership with questions or concerns to ensure voices are heard.”
Lacroix, President of Maine’s ACHCA chapter, is honored to be selected as ACHCA’s 2017 New Administrator. He characterized the recognition as, “There are a significant number of individuals who could be recognized with this award, it is an honor to receive acknowledgement for the time spent in orchestrating a positive environment for our residents. This award is primarily a recognition of what a team of individuals can accomplish when working together.”
As Maine’s population continues to age, Lacroix understands the importance of long-term care facilities and hopes to continue providing quality care for the River Valley at Rumford Community Home.