Good Samaritan Society – Water Valley Senior Living Resort administrator Amanda Kerr and Good Samaritan Society – St. Ansgar administrator Kelsey Bundy have been recognized as 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Award winners in the Rising Stars category.
The highly competitive recognition program honors standouts in skilled nursing, senior living and home care. A national, independent panel of judges studies all nominees’ credentials, backgrounds and results.
“Amanda has a servant leader’s heart. She leads with empathy, understanding and compassion,” said Randy Fitzgerald, Good Samaritan vice president of operations. “She sets the tone of the campus, celebrating life’s everyday moments of residents and staff. Amanda knows how to make people feel special and she inspires her team members to be their best selves, both professionally and personally.”
Good Samaritan Society – Water Valley serves Windsor, Colorado, with views of the Rocky Mountains and Lake Water Valley.
“I am truly blessed to call the residents and team members of Good Samaritan Society – Water Valley my second family,” said Kerr. “Connection is at the heart of everything we do in life. Being able to connect with residents, their families, staff members and the community bring me so much fulfillment. I am humbled to receive this recognition and am proud of the Water Valley team who provides exceptional care to our residents.”
Good Samaritan Society – St. Ansgar serves St. Ansgar, Iowa, Mitchell County and the surrounding area.
“Kelsey carries a genuine spirit of helpfulness and compassion and it truly shows in the way she cares for residents, families and her team at St. Ansgar every single day,” said Cassie Greene, senior director of Operations for Good Samaritan. “She can be found helping anywhere and everywhere. Whether it’s dietary, nursing or housekeeping, Kelsey ensures all team members feel supported and valued. Through her humble servant leadership, she has built trust and respect among her teams which has contributed to staff engagement and job satisfaction.”
The Rising Star awards category honors women who have fewer than 15 years of experience in the skilled nursing, senior living or home care fields, or are 40 years old or younger. All have demonstrated exceptional commitment at the community, facility, agency or corporate level.
“I am truly humbled to receive this recognition and am honored to lead the amazing team at Good Samaritan Society – St. Ansgar,” said Bundy. “St. Ansgar is a small, close-knit community. It is a privilege to take care of our friends and neighbors, church members and loved ones. The wisdom instilled in me from my residents has made me a better leader and I am grateful to serve alongside the caregivers at St. Ansgar.”
The McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards program will culminate with an awards ceremony in Chicago on May 4.
Learn more
- Good Samaritan leaders recognized as Women of Distinction 2025
- Good Samaritan Society leaders named Women of Distinction 2023
- Nurse finds calling as senior living administrator
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Corporate Services & Administration, Senior Services
