An employee of Perry Lutheran Homes was recently recognized for their excellence in their profession. 

Tonya Swank is the Director of Guest Experience and she was awarded with a Excellence in Leadership LeadingAge Iowa Award for her work that enriches and enhances the lives of older adults. She has been with the organization for more than 20 years and recently took on this role in 2020. 

Perry Lutheran Homes CEO Reverend Max Phillips says that Swank has been an excellent, long-time employee who has understood her craft while also having a heart for compassion including creating special experiences for people. 

“Tonya is an excellent resource and she’s a great innovator and she really does zero in on each person differently. I think a lot of places zero in on people as groups, and that’s fine, but Tonya is one that really separates out the individual and works to make sure that they have a great experience.”

Phillips tells Raccoon Valley Radio it’s always a good feeling to receive awards for the care they provide but these awards showcase how well the 250 employees do their jobs each and every day. 

“They do it from the heart. They take care of folks as if they are their own family and quite frankly we become their family. So, it’s good to have those kind of employees and I think Perry Lutheran Homes and Perry are really blessed to have those kinds of folks that we can call upon.”

The award will be formally presented at a statewide conference in September in Cedar Rapids.