ClarkLindsey CEO Deb Reardanz Honored with Athena Award for Leadership and Community Impact
- ClarkLindsey
- Feb 16, 2017
- 2 min read
Deb Reardanz, President and CEO of ClarkLindsey, has been selected as the 29th recipient of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce’s Athena Award. The recognition highlights her leadership, her commitment to empowering others, and her long-standing dedication to creating a community where older adults and employees can thrive. Her career journey and philosophy reflect a deep respect for curiosity, connection, and lifelong growth.
What Happened
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce has named Deb Reardanz the 2023 Athena Award recipient, an honor recognizing women who demonstrate professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to supporting the leadership potential of other women. Reardanz, who has been with ClarkLindsey for two decades and CEO since 2009, was nominated by board members who praised her vision and her focus on personal growth for both residents and staff.
Reardanz’s path to leadership began in accounting, followed by a career shift that brought her to ClarkLindsey as business services director. She later became chief financial officer, earned an MBA, and obtained licensure as a nursing home administrator before stepping into the CEO role. Today, she oversees a community of approximately 260 residents and an equally large team of employees.
Her leadership style centers on collaboration, respect for older adults’ autonomy, and a belief that meaningful relationships are essential to well‑being. She is also deeply involved in leadership development, having helped launch the LeadingAge Illinois Leadership Academy and created an internship program at ClarkLindsey that has supported dozens of emerging professionals.
Why This Matters
Reardanz’s recognition reflects broader shifts in aging‑services leadership. Senior living organizations increasingly emphasize empowerment, resident‑driven decision‑making, and environments that support personal growth at every age. Her approach—inviting residents into major decisions, encouraging staff development, and fostering intergenerational learning—aligns with these evolving expectations.
The Athena Award also highlights the importance of women’s leadership in fields that shape community well‑being. Reardanz’s work demonstrates how thoughtful leadership can influence not only an organization’s culture but also the broader community’s understanding of aging, independence, and connection.
Key Details at a Glance
Award: Athena Award from the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Recipient: Deb Reardanz, President and CEO of ClarkLindsey
Career at ClarkLindsey: 20 years; CEO since 2009
Professional Background: CPA, MBA, licensed nursing home administrator
Community Impact: Leadership development programs, internship initiatives, and advocacy for resident‑centered decision‑making
Organizational Scope: Approximately 260 residents and 260 employees
Broader Context
Leadership in senior living is evolving toward models that prioritize autonomy, collaboration, and holistic well‑being. Reardanz’s work at ClarkLindsey reflects this shift, emphasizing that older adults should be active partners in shaping their community. Her commitment to developing future leaders also aligns with national efforts to strengthen the aging‑services workforce through mentorship and education.
Her recognition comes at a time when ClarkLindsey is expanding its campus with new wellness and memory‑care developments, reinforcing the organization’s long‑term commitment to innovation and resident‑centered care.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by The News‑Gazette.
