FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2026
CONTACT: Mary Maude Davis | 615-780-3373 | MaryMaude.Davis@FinnPartners.com
Award Recognizes Efforts to Advance Sustainability, Quality and Customer/Patient Satisfaction
Alexandria, Va. – Goodwin Living™, a not-for-profit, faith-based senior living and health care services organization in the National Capital Region, announced that Jeanne Hobbs, Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Benefits Manager and Chair of the Goodwin Living Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee, was honored as a Healthcare Council 2026 Employee of the Year. Hobbs was recognized at the Healthcare Council’s Annual Employee of the Year Awards Luncheon on March 19.
The Healthcare Council, an association of healthcare providers, schools and health-related institutions in the Mid-Atlantic region, promotes intelligent planning, facilitates discussion of common problems and acts as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information among its members. The Healthcare Council Employee of the Year Award is presented annually to employees who make significant contributions to healthcare in the year prior. The award is based on three criteria: Sustainability, Quality and Customer/Patient Satisfaction.
“Jeanne’s leadership reflects the very best of Goodwin Living,” said Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin Living. “Through her work, she strengthens our culture, supports our team members and helps drive the quality and experience of care we provide every day. This recognition is well deserved.”
“I’m so proud to be part of an organization that truly cares for people, and where the mission is known and lived out by both residents and team members. It’s an honor and a joy to support, honor and uplift residents and team members,” said Hobbs. “It is our mission, vision and values that stir a passion in me to make Goodwin Living a place of welcome and belonging for all.”
Hobbs has been a member of the Goodwin Living team since June 1997 and has made lasting contributions across the organization. She leads the DEIB Committee, helping to shape a culture of belonging that reflects the diversity of both team members and the older adults Goodwin Living serves. With team members representing more than 80 countries, this work plays a critical role in fostering connection and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Under her leadership, the committee has introduced initiatives that celebrate cultural identity and encourage engagement, including cultural observances and the Parade of Cultures. Additional efforts such as newsletters, listening sessions and a team member cookbook create opportunities for team members to share their experiences and perspectives.
In her role as HRIS and Benefits Manager, Hobbs has improved efficiency, reporting and data access across systems, strengthening the infrastructure that supports high-quality care and organizational sustainability. She introduced Total Rewards statements, giving team members clearer visibility into their total compensation. She also expanded system integrations, connecting ADP with platforms including Rave, WeCare Connect, Power BI and Okta to improve reporting and strengthen workforce insights.
Hobbs has also improved how benefits are communicated and accessed. By enhancing communication through ADP and presenting benefits during team member orientation, she has helped drive more timely enrollments and increased understanding of available offerings. Internal surveys show that team members are increasingly satisfied with benefits communications.
Her work has also delivered measurable cost savings and innovation, reinforcing Goodwin Living’s commitment to operational sustainability while supporting team member well-being. She led a vendor transition for life insurance, resulting in approximately $25,000 in savings, and recommended adding Daily Pay to expand financial flexibility for team members. She also contributed to recruitment efforts by introducing a business card concept used in community outreach initiatives.
Over her tenure, Hobbs has grown with the organization across both clinical support and human resources roles. She began as a Diet Technician and later served as a Diet Technician Supervisor before transitioning into HR, where she held roles as a Human Resources Specialist and advanced into her current leadership position in benefits and HRIS.
“We are grateful to Healthcare Council for highlighting the outstanding talent and for continuing to elevate the great work being done in senior living and healthcare,” said Liebreich. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team members and the impact they make every day.”
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About Goodwin Living™ (GoodwinLiving.org): Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities, specialized healthcare services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and these options are managed and provided by team members representing more than 80 countries. Goodwin Living has been a Washington Post Top Workplace for six consecutive years and has been named the #2 Top Workplace for 2024. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
