VERNON BAKER NAMED VCAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

VCAL (10/15/2004)

Vernon Baker, Administrator of Orange County Nursing Home and Home for Adults in Orange (OCNH), Virginia, was honored as the 2004 Assisted Living Administrator of the Year at the VHCA Conventions Awards Banquet.  Vernon, a long time supporter of VHCA/VCAL, was recognized for his leadership and commitment to providing  quality care  and a desire to make our home the best possible environment not only for our residents but for our staff as well. 

Vernon holds Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  His career in long term care includes serving as a facility administrator, as well as on a corporate level as a Senior Vice President of Operations for a Virginia based multi-facility organization. 

In nominating him for this award, one of his staff noted, A profoundly excellent leader doesn't pull people his direction - they follow him - because they believe in his vision.  Respectfully listening and valuing people, he empowers and motivates, bringing out the best in every person and situation.  Failure is non-existent, only growth and learning.  Vernon Baker is a profoundly excellent leader.  Amplifying every resource, he improves quality of life for residents and staff.
 
Through relationships with legislators, officials and associations, he boldly affects the future of the elderly and disabled.  Maximizing reimbursements and allocation of resources, he makes OCNH a place where people want to be.  With creativity, energy, enthusiasm, and humor he infects the environment and goodness follows his Midas touch.  Ours is a business of providing care, and if you watch him with the residents, it quickly becomes apparent what makes Vernon Baker the Administrator of the Year.  He sincerely cares for them so much.  VCAL is proud to recognize Vernon Baker as this years recipient of the award.