American Senior Communities (ASC) hosted its annual three-day leadership retreat at the historic French Lick Resort from March 3–5. This year’s theme, Becoming Legendary: Our ASC Legacy, celebrated the achievements that have made ASC the largest senior living and healthcare provider in Indiana while also focusing on the future through continuing to innovate, improve care and support, and become the preferred home for even more seniors in the future.
Each year, the retreat brings together leaders from ASC’s 102 communities across the state, creating an opportunity for collaboration, professional development, and team building. The event allows attendees to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities to focus on strategy, growth, and the evolving future of senior care.
The retreat opened with the highly anticipated Awards Night dinner and ceremony. This annual event honors outstanding leaders and ASC communities for achievements across several key areas. While the evening celebrated accomplishments from the past year, it also served as inspiration for continued growth and innovation as ASC leaders strive toward providing the very best in senior care.
Congratulations to the following award winners!
Central West Region Building of the Year – Meadow Lakes
South West Region Building of the Year – Springs Valley Meadows
North West Region Building of the Year – Markle Health & Rehabilitation
Senior Living Division Building of the Year – Aster Place
North East Region Building of the Year – Canterbury Nursing & Rehabilitation
Central Region Building of the Year – Greenwood Meadows
Central East Region Building of the Year – Rosebud Village
North Central Region Building of the Year – Cardinal Nursing & Rehabilitation
South East Region Building of the Year – Hickory Creek at Connersville
The Norma Seib Award for Executive Director – Terry Tomasi (West Bend Nursing & Rehab)
The Norma Seib Award for Director of Nursing – Audrey Beaman (Hickory Creek at Sunset)
Hoosier Heart Compassion Award – Salem Crossing
The Torchbearer Accountability Award – Meadow View Health & Rehabilitation
Crossroads of Care Relationships Award – Hickory Creek at Huntington
The Spirit of Indiana Excellence Award – Fairway Village
Senior Living Clinical Director of the Year – Angela Wasnidge (Meadow Lakes AL)
Senior Living Administrator of the Year – Erin Brown (The Commons at Honey Creek)
Healthcare Director of Nursing of the Year – Melissa Ford (Westview Nursing & Rehab Center)
Healthcare Executive Director of the Year – Makenzie Miles (Ben Hur Health & Rehab)
Community of the Year – Canterbury Nursing & Rehabilitation
Adding an element of fun and excitement, ASC introduced its first-ever mascot: a goat, initially known simply as “the GOAT.” With “GOAT” widely recognized as the acronym for “Greatest Of All Time,” the mascot perfectly represents ASC’s aspirations for excellence. Throughout the retreat, attendees submitted name suggestions, and the winning choice; Jackson; was selected as a tribute to the company’s founders, the Jackson family.
After a full day of sessions on day 2, the second evening offered a chance for relaxation and celebration. Attendees dressed as their favorite Indiana legends for a themed party filled with creativity and laughter. The popular Euchre tournament returned once again as a staple of the evening, with spirited (and mostly friendly) competition among participants. A live band kept the energy high as attendees danced and enjoyed time together.
The evening also supported a meaningful cause. Sixteen attendees won themed baskets created by various ASC departments as part of a fundraiser benefiting Share to Care, an initiative that assists employees facing financial hardship due to unexpected life challenges. The generosity and compassion ASC teammates have for one another showed as the fund to help fellow employees grew throughout the retreat.
The final day began with a large breakfast followed by a motivational presentation from speaker Shawn Bennett. The morning also provided a meaningful opportunity to recognize several ASC team members who will soon be retiring, some after decades of service to the company and to Indiana seniors. Their recognition brought both tears and heartfelt gratitude from the audience as colleagues reflected on the legacy these leaders leave behind.
The retreat concluded as a resounding success, blending education, recognition, and comradery. Leaders departed French Lick with renewed energy, valuable insights, and a shared sense of purpose. Events like this not only invest in the growth of ASC leaders but also strengthen the entire organization by fostering unity, excellence, and a continued commitment to exceptional senior care….and Becoming Legendary.
With 102 locations across Indiana and continued growth ahead, ASC has served communities both large and small throughout the state. After decades of caring for Hoosier seniors, many ASC communities now welcome second generations of families who return for care. For ASC leaders and teammates, this legacy of trust is a powerful point of pride—and a meaningful step on the journey to Becoming Legendary.
If you’d like to be part of a company that is based promotes growth, rewards employees, and encourages comradery, visit CareersWithASC.com to learn more.
