Debora Rooney Okum, DP-NC

I attribute my success to building genuine relationships rather than just seeking referrals. When I was regional director for three buildings, I didn't just come in asking for business. Instead, I asked people what their problems were and how I could help them. I spent time becoming a resource for others, and when times got tough during COVID, those relationships paid off because people trusted me and we supported each other. I was able to keep all three buildings at 90% to 100% capacity throughout the pandemic when facilities across the country were struggling, and it was only because of those relationships I had invested in building. The same approach worked in my current position when I took over a property that had never been above 50% capacity in five years and brought it to full capacity within three months. My philosophy is simple: if you do what's right, the money will always follow. When you have integrity and character and operate that way, everything else falls into place. It's not about making the sale, it's about genuinely helping people and being the resource they need during their most vulnerable times.

The best advice I’ve received was from my father, who encouraged me to use the blessings I was given to pursue a career that helps others and aligns with my passion. That guidance led me to transition into senior care and dedicate my work to supporting families during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

I would tell young women to learn about things that other people don't know. For example, how to get Medicaid varies by state, and most people aren't aware of the different rules. If you become educated in these areas, you can provide the best service to others. I sit across from at least one veteran every month who has no idea they're eligible for up to $3,000 a month in assistance with assisted living. They'll say they only served two years, not four, so they think they don't have any benefits, but they do. Make yourself aware of these resources, not to make the sale, but to actually help somebody. Your heart has to be in the right place. Come into this work with compassion and empathy, and have that broader knowledge so you know exactly what resources are going to be the correct fit for who you're dealing with. If you do what's right, the money will always follow. When you have integrity and character and do what's right, you don't have to worry about the money. Success will come your way naturally when you operate with those values at the core of everything you do.

One of the biggest challenges in this field is maintaining stability and occupancy during crises, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as helping families navigate complex care systems and access reliable resources. However, there is a significant opportunity to educate families about available benefits, such as veterans’ assistance and Medicaid, and to provide personalized, community-based support that larger systems often overlook.

Number one is faith, of course. That's the number one value that I operate under. Integrity, character, truth, and loyalty are the main values that guide me, because if you're operating that way, then everything else falls into place. I've learned that if you're not stirring up the beehive and poking the bear of the ones who are not operating with integrity, then you're probably not operating correctly yourself. In my personal life, I'm 57 years old and my husband and I are incredibly active together. We play co-ed softball every Tuesday, pickleball every Monday, and we bowl on Thursday. We're very active sports folks who truly enjoy spending time together. My friends joke that Randy is in deep trouble when I can no longer hit things, because that's how I get out my frustration. Whether it's hitting a softball or a pickleball, staying active and competitive together is important to us.