Just a year into his tenure as a first-time executive director at Elk Run Assisted Living, Miguel Remillard received the Colorado Health Care Association Spotlight on Excellence Award in the assisted living administrator category in September 2024.

Miguel says he is grateful to receive the award as one of 572 assisted living administrators in Colorado.

“I say this because one thing my mom has always told me was, ‘Miguel, no matter what you do or what role you are in, stay committed to excellence,’” Miguel says. “Staying committed to excellence since that moment was something I always kept in mind no matter what role I was in.”

Miguel began his career in assisted living as a dietary aide at the age of 16. He then worked as a caregiver, med technician, resident care coordinator, wellness nurse and assisted living director before becoming executive director in September 2023.

Multiple people nominated Miguel for the honor.

One nominator wrote, “Miguel Remillard is a unicorn, not only because he represents a diverse background of the LGBT community, Native American and Mexican background, but who he is at heart. He is an amazing individual who wants to spread kindness and love to all he comes across, whether that be family members, residents, team members or someone he just met.”

That nominator stated that Miguel was born to be a leader different than many other leaders.

“This amazing man puts every team member and resident first, creating unity amongst the community and giving anyone he meets quality of life,” they wrote.

Another nominator wrote, “Miguel empowers everyone he meets. He helps others identify their strength … Miguel has built his life into who he is as a professional who sees the unseen in many.”

The Colorado Health Care Association recognized Miguel during the Spotlight on Excellence Gala in September. The CHCA also recognized director of health services Michelle Quihuiz, business office manager Lori Fortier and caregiver Pat Barnes as award nominees.