The award ceremony, held on September 15 during the organization's annual conference, highlighted Stengle’s efforts to elevate the resident experience through a blend of clinical expertise and innovation. Geoff Gross, president of the association, noted that Stengle’s leadership marks a shift in how the industry approaches the future of aging by merging healthcare services with community-based support systems.

Stengle credited the company’s staff for the achievement, emphasizing that the mission extends beyond basic housing. Brookdale currently manages 532 communities across 41 states, serving approximately 45,000 residents. The event also featured a Lifetime Achievement Award for former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, underscoring a broader industry focus on healthcare advancement.