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HCP Announces Award Winners

HCP Announces Award Winners

Each year, HCP members celebrate the exceptional individuals who go above and beyond in advancing the home care industry. After a careful nomination process, the HCP Board of Directors selects honorees whose dedication and innovation have made a lasting impact on both HCP and the communities we serve. 

On October 29, during the HCP Management Conference and Exhibition at the Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY, we will proudly recognize our 2024 award recipients. Their unwavering commitment to excellence has helped shape the future of home care. 

Please join us to congratulate this year’s distinguished honorees in person!

Richard Z. Steinhaus Award

The Richard Z. Steinhaus Award, HCP’s highest accolade, is given to an individual who has profoundly shaped the home care and hospice sectors. This award is reserved for those whose exceptional knowledge, leadership, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on our field. This year’s recipient is a true embodiment of these qualities: Barbara Citarella.

Barbara has dedicated her entire professional career to promoting the home care and hospice industry. From the beginning, she has been an advocate, a leader, and a visionary, championing the causes that matter most to our field. Her efforts have not only heightened the awareness of our industry but have also ensured that home care and hospice are integral parts of federal and state programs.

Barbara’s influence extends far beyond the local level. She has represented our industry on the national stage, serving as the only recognized expert in home care and hospice disaster preparedness. Through her work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the Institute of Medicine, and the Department of Homeland Security, Barbara has brought home care to the forefront of public health and safety discussions.

Her work was especially pivotal after the tragic events of 9/11, where her contributions to disaster readiness and bioterrorism earned her the Innovation in Home Care Award. This recognition was an acknowledgment of her expertise and her ability to innovate and lead during some of the most challenging times our industry has faced.

Barbara has been a member and staunch advocate of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers since its inception. Her dedication was further recognized when she was named the Associate Member of the Year in 2018, a testament to her ongoing commitment and impact.

Her contributions are not limited to practice alone. Barbara is also a prolific writer, with numerous publications that have significantly shaped the field, including during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Her insights and expertise have been sought after on both sides of the border, making her a well-known and respected public speaker in the United States and Canada.

Barbara has been a tireless advocate at both the state and federal levels, assisting in the development of crucial legislation that has shaped the future of home care. Her dedication to the advancement of our field is further evidenced by her support of HCP’s PAC and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice PAC.

Barbara’s work extends far beyond her professional achievements, encompassing education and community service. She has served on federal committees, developed online education programs for health care workers, and even provided humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Barbara has also been a steadfast educator for HCP Foundation programs, contributing consistently over many years. Her presentations at our Annual Conference, including this year’s session on workforce safety, have been invaluable. Additionally, Barbara has been the driving force behind our quarterly Compliance Series, ensuring our members stay informed about the state’s regulatory compliance expectations.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, her unwavering leadership, and her tireless advocacy, it is with great pride that HCP presents the Richard Z. Steinhaus Award to Barbara Citarella.

Edna A. Lauterbach Member of the Year Award

It’s an honor to present the Edna A. Lauterbach Member of the Year Award to someone who embodies dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to home care—Jeffrey Maynard.

Jeffrey was educated at the London School of Economics.  After a career as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Officer of Operations of various marketing and technology companies, sixteen years ago he became a home care executive and he hasn’t looked back.  He is currently the Executive Director/CEO of Care At Home of New York, a not-for-profit Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA).  He believes we have a pastoral responsibility to look after two populations – our clients, who need help, and our home health aides, who need employment.

Since joining HCP’s Public Policy Committee in 2021, Jeffrey has become essential in advancing our industry. His time, expertise, and personal connections have made a profound impact, helping to shape and propel HCP’s public policy agenda through consistent and effective advocacy. Jeffrey has led teams during our Advocacy Days, delivering powerful messaging that resonates with lawmakers and elevates home care. His unique ability to maintain a big-picture focus, while addressing the nuances of every issue, is truly invaluable.

In 2023, when asked to take on the role of Public Policy Committee Chair, Jeffrey stepped up with grace and humility. Under his leadership, he’s proven to be an exceptional consensus-builder—always open to differing opinions, yet capable of guiding the group toward unified, impactful solutions. His influence can be seen in our policy talking points and messaging.

Jeffrey’s engagement doesn’t stop there. He’s taken action on more of our “Take Action” alerts than any other member and frequently shares the responses he receives, helping to keep HCP’s staff informed and inspired. His dedication goes beyond policy work—Jeffrey has also served on the Nominating Committee for two years, helping shape the future leadership of HCP.

More than anything, Jeffrey is someone who says “yes.” He says yes when his leadership is needed, yes when his voice can make a difference, and yes when our industry requires tireless advocacy. For his selflessness, influence, and relentless dedication to home care, HCP is privileged to present this year’s Edna A. Lauterbach Member of the Year Award to Jeffrey Maynard. 

Associate Member of the Year Award

In recognition of outstanding dedication and service, the New York State Association of Health Care Providers is proud to present the Associate Member of the Year Award to Leo D’Sa, owner of Keeping it Simple Information Technology. This prestigious award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in promoting the interests and objectives of our Association. Leo D’Sa exemplifies the spirit of dedication, passion, and excellence that we hold in the highest regard, making him a truly deserving recipient of this accolade.

Leo’s commitment to our Association is not new; in fact, he first received this award in 2008. Yet, his dedication has never wavered. Over the years, Leo has continued to be a pillar of support for HCP, always showing up with the same positive energy and enthusiasm that earned him this recognition over a decade ago. His steady commitment serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one person can have on an entire community.

Leo has been a beacon of support for HCP, participating in all our events with an infectious energy that lights up the room. His positive attitude and unmatched enthusiasm have made him not just a participant but a driving force in our HCP community. Whether it’s encouraging others to join HCP or stepping up to help with membership and sponsorship, Leo’s contributions have been immeasurable.

Leo’s commitment to our cause is evident in every action he takes. He is always the first to eagerly seize every sponsorship opportunity, showing his dedication to the growth and success of HCP. His passion for home care is matched only by his ability to connect with providers in unique and meaningful ways, always bringing fresh ideas and a positive outlook.

Beyond his professional contributions, Leo is a true partner to HCP staff, our members, and our associates. His kindness and generosity have touched many, and his ability to bring people together is remarkable. As Treasurer of the Long Island Chapter since 2017, Leo has played a crucial role in organizing chapter meetings and handling the day-to-day operations that keep our community thriving.

Leo is a strong advocate for our industry, frequently reporting to the Public Policy team the issues he observes with his clients, ensuring that we remain informed and proactive. His involvement in Advocacy Day and his encouragement of colleagues to become active members further demonstrate his commitment to advancing our collective goals.

Leo has the energy, passion, and dedication that truly inspires others.  He is the life of the party, the person who lifts us, and the one who never stops believing in the power of partnership. 

Elected Official of the Year Award

It is with great honor and gratitude that HCP presents the Elected Official of the Year Award, a distinction given to a local or State official who has made significant strides in advancing the interests of home and community-based care. This year, we are privileged to recognize a true champion of our cause, Assembly Member Billy Jones.

Assemblymember Jones has represented the North Country Home Services’ (NCHS) service area with steadfast dedication for nearly a decade. His commitment to home care is not just professional; it is personal. Billy has been a tireless advocate, consistently supporting every home care issue brought before him. His efforts have been instrumental in securing fair rural rates for remote services, a critical factor in ensuring that the unique needs of this community are met.

AM Jones’ contributions go far beyond his show of legislative support. He has taken the time to understand the heart of our work by joining nurses and staff on patient visits. On these occasions, Billy didn’t just observe—he engaged with patients, discussing the vital importance of the care they receive and listening to their stories. This exceptionally engaged approach by a legislator demonstrates his deep commitment to the people we serve.

Billy’s support for home health aides is equally commendable. He has personally recognized their hard work and dedication, presenting them with awards and citations at NCHS events. This recognition is more than a gesture; it is a powerful affirmation of the critical role that home health aides play in the well-being of our communities, our clients, and our home care businesses, 

One of the things that sets Billy apart is his accessibility. Assemblyman Jones answers the phone. He makes time for us, whether it’s to meet in person to discuss pressing home care issues or to attend events. His willingness to be present, to listen, and to take action speaks volumes about his character and dedication.

We are immensely grateful for the service AM Jones provides to the entire region. From giving blood to visiting local businesses to learning every intricate detail of home care operations, Billy Jones knows home care, supports home care, and is committed to meeting the needs of others.