NAAP Award Nominations

Each year, NAAP honors individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions, setting new standards in their fields.  NAAP awards celebrate dedication, leadership, and innovation, highlighting the remarkable contributions that make a lasting impact.

Nominations are now open until December 31, 2026 and awards will be presented at the 2027 NAAP Conference located in Bloomington, Minnesota on April 13, 2027

NAAP Award Categories to consider:

• Activity Professional of the Year
• Life Enrichment Director of the Year
• Memory Care Director of the Year
• Rising Star Award
• Quality of Excellence Award

Activity Professional of the Year

The Activity Professional of the Year Award honors an outstanding individual working in skilled nursing whose passion, creativity, and dedication have profoundly enriched the lives of seniors. This award honors a professional who goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences, foster engagement, and enhance residents’ well-being through innovative and compassionate programming. Join us as we recognize their exceptional contributions, unwavering commitment, and lasting impact on senior living.

Criteria for the Activity Professional of the Year –

1. Must be an active member of NAAP
2. Contributed and supported to the awareness of the field of activities and their role as the director
3. Be an activity professional for three or more years.
4. Include successful activities or achievements the person has accomplished

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Life Enrichment Director of the Year

 The Life Enrichment Director of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional professional working in Assisted Living or Independent Living who demonstrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for older adults. This prestigious award honors an individual who creates vibrant, person-centered programs that inspire engagement, foster meaningful connections, and promote purpose, wellness, and joy among residents.

Criteria for the Life Enrichment Director of the Year  –

1. Must be an active member of NAAP
2. Contributed and supported to the awareness of the field of engagement and their role as the director
3. Be a Life Enrichment for two or more years.
4. Include successful activities or achievements the person has accomplished

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Memory Care Director of the Year –

The Memory Care Director of the Year Award honors an exceptional professional whose dedication, compassion, and expertise have significantly enhanced the lives of individuals living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. This award celebrates a Memory Care Director whose leadership inspires others, strengthens relationships among residents, families, and staff, and advances the practice of person-centered memory care. Their unwavering commitment, creativity, and advocacy make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve and exemplify the highest standards of excellence in memory care programming.

Criteria for the Life Enrichment Director of the Year  –

1. Must be an active member of NAAP
2. Contributed and supported to the awareness of the field of memory care and their role as the director
3. Be a memory care professional for two or more years.
4. Include successful activities or achievements the person has accomplished.

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Rising Star

This award celebrates the bright future of senior living. It recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and promise to enhance the lives of our residents. Whether through leadership, creativity, or compassionate care, this rising star shapes the future of senior living with passion and commitment.

Criteria for the Rising Star – 

1. Must be an active member of NAAP
2. Be an Activity Professional for less than 2 years.

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Quality of Excellence-

Excellence is at the core of everything we do in senior living, and tonight, we celebrate an individual who embodies the highest standards of care, service, and innovation. The Quality of Excellence Award honors those who surpass expectations to enhance the well-being of our residents, establish new benchmarks for quality, and inspire others through their dedication. Join us as we acknowledge their exceptional contributions and commitment to making a meaningful difference daily.

Criteria for Quality of Excellence –

1. Advocated for quality of life in senior living.
2. Have a minimum of one year of service with their current organization.
3. May work in any department or role that directly or indirectly impacts resident quality of life and care.

Nominations close at midnight December 31, 2026

If you have any questions, please contact the NAAP Office at alisa@naap.info