(Syracuse, NY – Oct. 2015) Kate Rolf, MBA, CHCE, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, VNA Homecare, was one of three individuals presented with the Innovations in Health Care Award at 4th Annual Excellence in Health Care Awards held Oct. 22.
Presented by Bankers Healthcare Group, Inc., the CNY Business Journal and BizEventz, the Excellence in Health Care Awards recognize Central New York health-care industry leaders, innovators and companies who have made a significant impact on the quality of health care and services throughout the community. Specifically, the Innovations in Health Care Award honors a company and/or individual primarily responsible for a medical science discovery or for the development of a new procedure, device, service, program or treatment that can save lives or improve the quality of life for a large number of people.
In nominating Rolf for the Innovations in Health Care Award, Kimberly Graf, vice president of communication and development, cited Rolf’s strong vision for the future, flexibility and passionate approach to embracing the unknown as an opportunity for growth, improvement and innovation.
“The challenge of developing strategies for VNA Homecare to remain relevant and ahead of the changing healthcare environment isn’t something Kate fears,” Graf stated. “She understands that home and community-based care is dynamic and rapidly changing. Most importantly, she looks beyond tradition and understands that being able to evolve as needs change is vital to achieve success.”
With more than 15 years of leadership experience, Rolf was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of VNA Homecare in 2011. She holds a New York State Nursing Home Administrator License, a Home Care Executive Certification (CHCE) and a fellowship from the American College of Healthcare Executives. She is also an active member of several community organizations, including the Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA), Long Term Executive Council of Central New York and Selective Services Boards of Directors. Prior to joining VNA Homecare, Rolf served as Executive Director of Home Care Services at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica.
“It’s both an honor and a privilege to be recognized for doing what I’m passionate about,” Rolf said. “I am blessed to be in a position where I can work to make sure that home care remains relevant and capable of adapting to a changing health care environment.”