Roanoke Leader Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

David Tucker, president, and chief operating officer of CCR, was recognized with the 2021 James G. Dunton Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Virginia Health Care Association-Virginia Center for Assisted Living (VHCA-VCAL). Tucker has dedicated his career to the care of the elderly and infirm.

A supportive and encouraging leader, Tucker is hailed for his understanding of the complexity and demands carried by the caregivers and administrators in his company’s centers. He has impacted the industry by being an ambassador for growing leaders in long-term care and giving voice to residents’ needs.

Keith Hare, VHCA-VCAL president, and CEO, said, “I am humbled by the depth of David’s knowledge of long-term care and his tireless advocacy for the residents and caregivers in Virginia’s nursing centers. The long-term care profession in Virginia is stronger for David’s leadership and vision.”

A significant hallmark of Tucker’s leadership is his passion for advocating for residents. This began during the earliest days of his career in senior services when he worked as a nursing assistant. After graduating with a degree in business management from Radford University, he enrolled in an administrator-in-training program and went on to obtain his nursing facility administrator’s license. Tucker then began overseeing the day-to-day operations of a large nursing facility. Over the years, he held numerous leadership roles in various nursing care organizations across the Commonwealth. He has served as an officer of CCR since 2007.

Tucker is equally at ease in an employee break room, a resident room, a family meeting, a board room, or speaking with legislators and government officials. Tucker has been instrumental in leading conversations about the future of the long-term care sector in Virginia for many years. In addition, he has been an active member and leader in VHCA-VCAL, serving on various committees and as chairman of the board of directors from 2018-2019.

Tucker is known for good humor and his love of music. He once gifted one of his guitars to an activities assistant at one of his company’s nursing centers, who did not have his own instrument so the assistant could share his love of music with the residents. He is also known for writing personal notes to his employees, colleagues, and residents to foster deep personal connections with those he serves.

VHCA-VCAL’s highest honor, the James G. Dunton Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement, is named for Jim Dunton, former VHCA executive director. This award is presented to a candidate who has risen to the top of their profession by pursuing excellence, expanding into new areas, and contributing to Virginia’s long-term care.

Tucker was recognized at the annual VHCA-VCAL Awards Banquet, held this year in Roanoke, VA, on November 10.