When the Government Affairs Office (GAO) launched the Hearts for Home Care Ambassador program nearly ten years ago, we envisioned that each service office would assign a designee who would essentially act as the GAO liaison for that office. How much we’ve grown! Today, our Ambassadors go above and beyond to be the voice for our staff and clients, and we are proud to reward them for their efforts!
Over the past year, the Ambassador program has grown tremendously, with nearly 80 more BAYADA office employees serving as Ambassadors than last year. Not only are these numbers a great indicator of growth, but our Ambassadors’ increased engagement shows how each one is truly a leader and innovator in their office, and in legislators’ offices around the country.
Each year, we choose an Ambassador of the Year from each GAO state, and each state winner joins GAO in a special recognition trip to Washington, D.C. The following Ambassadors went so far above and beyond in their advocacy efforts—whether it be through legislative visits, home visits, helping with testimony, or other creative ventures—that GAO chose them as their state’s Ambassador of the Year: Justin Booker (NY), Beth Schenck (RI), Lisa Minnella (NJ), Tom Johnson-Medland (PA), Victoria Carter (DE/MD), Trip Smithdeal (NC), Jenni Cairns (SC), and Doug McNew (GA). Additionally, each year GAO chooses a “Rookie Ambassador of the Year,” this year being Rebecca Gaughan of the Poppy Division.
All nine winners will attend the Ambassador of the Year Awards trip to Washington, DC, on May 9-10. During the trip, our guests will enjoy an overnight stay on Capitol Hill, a guided sightseeing tour, and a private awards dinner where we will announce the overall Ambassador of the Year winner! In addition to the trip, this year, GAO surprised each state winner “Publisher’s Clearing House-style” in person at their office in front of their peers. Our Ambassadors do so much to be the voice of our staff and clients, GAO is excited to take them on an exciting trip and make sure that they have a great time.
To learn about what each individual Ambassador did to win this prestigious title, click here for a summary or look back on previous Bulletin articles through March and April, where we highlighted their accomplishments and creative approaches to advocacy! The primary responsibility for the GAO Ambassadors is to develop and foster relationships with their legislators through district office meetings and home visits so that our state and federal decision makers understand what home care is and how it affects their constituents.
Our Ambassador program continues to grow and reach new heights—and we are always open to more involvement! Our Ambassadors serve as the forefront of our advocacy program, and truly make the difference in educating local legislators about home care and its impact on clients and communities. If you are interested in learning more about the Ambassador program or how you can get involved, email [email protected] today!
