Meadows’ Director named Housing Professional of the Year by TAHSA

The Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (TAHSA) has awarded Jil Utterback, Executive Director at The Meadows Retirement Community, with the Housing Professional of the Year award. Jil was chosen for this award for her exemplary leadership and team building skills and her active involvement and support of the residents. Her award will be presented during the TAHSA annual meeting in Houston during the week of May 16.

Jil has been at The Meadows for more than 20 years, working first as a marketing assistant, then the director of information services, the assistant administrator and as the executive director since 1998.

The residents and staff appreciate Jil because of all that she does for them. She visits residents in the hospital and takes a personal interest in the residents who do not have family or whose family members are not involved. She has spent many nights sleeping at The Meadows when bad weather was approaching fearing that she might be not be able to make it in in the event of a weather emergency.

Every fall, Jil invites all of the residents out to her ranch in Bandera for a big barbecue dinner, hay rides and music. She buys every single employee a Christmas gift and always gives the staff a Christmas party – all with her own money. Her door is always open to residents and employees no matter how busy she is. She is extremely patient and kind with everyone.

Jil has been instrumental in bringing many new and innovative programs to The Meadows. She started a caregiver support group for those who have spouses with dementia. Jil bought a Nintendo Wii for the residents when they first came out and began a Wii Sports tournament that is still going on twice a week. She is always looking for new and creative ways to get the residents involved with activities and trips.

Often times, Jil acts not only as the executive director, but as the activities director as well. Every year, she takes the residents down to the rodeo, to the Veteran’s Day Parade, setting up the chairs for the residents herself, and throws a big Halloween party, personally dressing up and providing a fun-themed activity to go along with the costumes.

Jil is committed to the residents and the staff 24/7. Sometimes she even goes to bed with her pager on! When she is away on vacation, she always checks in to see if there is anything she can do to help. At work, at home, out shopping or at the beach, Jil is always available to provide leadership and assistance to her community. She has high standards and a strong work ethic. She supports her staff and bases her decisions on “doing what is right” and never on any personal agenda.

Jil has been active in TAHSA for more than 20 years, as a member of the Marketing Committee, Host Committee and Housing Committee. She served as the secretary of the TAHSA Central Texas Chapter for two years. Jil has a bachelor’s degree from UTSA and is a 1999 graduate of the North San Antonio Leadership Lab. She is a licensed nursing home administrator (LNFA) and a credentialed retirement housing professional (RHP).

Congratulations Jil on this honor!