Osprey Village’s Matthew Barger Wins 2022 Supernova Award
Executive Director Takes Home Highest Honor
The Supernova Award is the highest individual honor that our company gives and each year. One Executive Director is chosen as the ‘Executive Director of the Year’ by the Home Office leadership team based on an assortment of criteria. Each year during the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting, the winner is awarded and given a customized crystal award at the company’s formal Supernova Awards Evening. The criteria for voting is based on embodiment of and adherence to the company’s Guiding Principles, overall leadership of their team: servant leadership, the overall growth/improvement year-over-year. Additionally, this individual will consistently deliver excellent customer service (to Members, families, and colleagues), lead positively with integrity, take accountability, put the team before themselves, and embody the company’s vision to create communities where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Matthew began his career in the hospitality industry, growing his knowledge from the bottom up. His early experience includes working, managing, and owning restaurants and banquet halls. Barger transitioned into senior living as he worked for Lifespace Communities as the Dining Director for Independent Living and Skilled Nursing. Continuing his career in senior living, he was interested in furthering his knowledge of day-to-day operations and transferred to Osprey Village, a Senior Living Communities property on Amelia Island, Florida. He worked closely with many departments at Osprey Village and served as the Director of Dining Services, Care Services Lifestyle Advisor, and the community’s Executive Director. He was recently promoted to the position of Vice President of Operations, and oversees five coastal communities for Senior Living Communities.
Matthew is married to his amazing and supportive wife, is a father of two wonderful children Brixton (F ,6) and Phoenix (M, 3). In his free time, he enjoys making m memories with his family on the boat, fishing at the beach, or riding off-road motorcycles.
Interview with 2022 Director of the Year, Matthew Barger
What’s your favorite part about your position?
I have the opportunity everyday to make a positive impact and add value to the lives of our members and team members. Also, knowing that the unique talents and contributions of our team members leads to folks living and happier, longer and better life is also such a rewarding part of this position.
What do you want people to know about working in a retirement community?
You will never find a more fulfilling career than working in senior housing. For those with a servant heart, caring for and serving seniors comes naturally.
What is your favorite thing about working for Senior Living Communities?
This company and family has provided amazing opportunities for my career growth, matching my commitment to excellence and drive for successful results every step of the way. I am forever grateful.
What’s a quote or inspirational words that influence/impact you and why?
The proverb is “Nana korobi, ya oki” which means “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
This reinforces my belief that failure is not an option. That you have to do whatever it takes, it is worth it to succeed, evolve and self-actualize ultimately reaching full potential and leaving a positive impact on the world.
Positions that are eligible to vote and win the Supernova Award include: HR Director, Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, Care Services Administrator, Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Resident Care Director, Lifestyle Advisor, Lifestyle Advisor – Care Services, Transition Specialist, Social Director, Wellness Director, Director of Facility Services, Director of Dining Services, Executive Chef, Client Services Manager (Live Long Well Care).
