Byron Health Center Executive Director Sarah Starcher-Lane, HFA, ICYB, was recently named the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) 2017 Indiana New Nursing Home Administrator of the Year. The award recognizes the ACHCA member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and potential as a leader, innovator, and motivator in post-acute and aging services, as well as in ACHCA-Indiana, and has been a practicing administrator for five years or less. More information can be found at www.achca-in.org/awards/ .

“It was a true honor to accept this award and it means a lot that I was nominated by my peers. Serving the residents and staff at Byron Health Center has changed my life and I am grateful to go to “work” each and every day,” said Sarah. “I especially want to thank my mentor, Deb Lambert, for her guidance and knowledge. I would not be the Administrator or woman I am, without her.“

Sarah began her career path at Byron Health Center in January of 2014 as the Staffing Coordinator and moved on the HR Assistant position in June of 2014. She quickly found a passion to accomplish more and pursued an Administrator in Training (AIT) career-path under the tutelage of current CEO, Deb Lambert. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Certificate in Public Relations from the University of Cincinnati (’11), Sarah adapted quickly to a larger Leadership role as she spent time to learn the duties of, and share experiences in, every department at Byron Health Center. She completed her AIT, passed both the federal and state exams with flying colors and was named Assistant Administrator in September of 2015. The search for a new Administrator ended when Sarah was named Executive Director / Administrator in July of 2017.

ACHCA-Indiana provides a path to enhanced member professional networks; fostered, educational environments and positive, public recognition in the industry by creating opportunities for meaningful educational and networking venues, professional advocacy and member Administrator-In-Training (AIT) Q & A’s, through a’ Pay It Forward’ mentality resulting in strong, efficient, effective and satisfied members. As one of the fastest growing ACHA Chapters in the past 3 years, Indiana is now seeking to stabilize its existence so that sustainability is secured. By having some of the best members in the country, the Chapter is ensuring that their purpose and mission are long-lived. With board members and engaged committees, and one member serving on the National ACHCA Board, there is a strong foundation, but their job is not yet done. More information can be found at: www.achca-in.org .

Byron Health Center provides compassionate long-term care for adults with complex needs including physical, mental, emotional and neurological services. Each resident is recognized as an individual who seeks and deserves to reach his or her optimal potential. Byron Health Center and Miller’s Place continue a tradition of over 160 years of serving the long-term health care needs of Indiana residents. Byron Health Center is licensed to provide intermediate and skilled nursing care while Miller’s Place provides assisted living services to individuals who are more independent and are able to live in a residential setting.