Social Services Director wins national award

Tracy Zamora, Social Services Director at Heritage of Bel-Air in Norfolk, has been named a Veteran VIP in the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards, a joint program of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and McKnight’s Senior Living.

The program, in its third year, recognizes women who have made significant contributions or demonstrated exceptional commitment to the senior living or skilled nursing professions. Veteran VIPs, a new category in 2021, are women who have more than 15 years of experience in the industry.

Staci Kolm, Bel-Air’s Director of Nursing, nominated Zamora of Pierce for the award for her incredible work as a resident advocate.

“Tracy possesses the ultimate ‘Yes, I can’ attitude while taking on all tasks with a positive energy and a smile,” Kolm said. “She frequently has residents and families commenting on the outstanding care she provides. She always goes above and beyond her job duties, treats the residents and families as the most important person in the world, and has excellent critical thinking skills.”

Zamora said she was surprised and humbled to learn of her nomination and then winning the Women of Distinction Award.

“It’s a privilege to work with seniors and I’m truly blessed to have spent my career in long-term care,” she said.

Zamora has worked in the long-term care field since 1993 in a number of roles
including as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Medication Aide, Restorative Therapy Aide, Marketing Director, and Social Services Director. She’s been at Heritage of Bel-Air for the last four years.

Nominations were judged by an external panel of industry experts. All winners will be honored at a virtual awards celebration on May 18.