OKEECHOBEE — In recognition of her outstanding leadership and decades of service, Jody Wakalee, Director of Nursing at Okeechobee Health Care Facility, has been named the Florida Health Care Association’s (FHCA) 2025 Nurse Administrator of the Year. FHCA’s annual Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards ceremony recognizes nurses and nursing assistants in Florida who embody FHCA’s mission to provide the highest quality of care to long term care residents across the state.

Wakalee has devoted 27 years to Okeechobee Health Care Facility, where her leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to residents and staff have made a lasting impact. Starting as a floor nurse, Jody has ascended into multiple leadership roles, including team leader in the secured dementia unit, acting director, and now Director of Nursing. Along the way, she earned her RN license and Associate Degree in Nursing while balancing work, school, and family life.

“Jody Wakalee exemplifies what it means to be a nurse leader in long term care,” said Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA. “Her impact on resident outcomes, her team, and her community is profound, and we’re proud to recognize her with this well-deserved honor.”

Her accomplishments speak volumes: she has helped reduce the facility’s record-low use of antipsychotic medications to just 13%. She also led the implementation of the Falling Star program, which has resulted in a nearly 40% reduction in resident falls and decreased the number of bed and chair alarms by 99%.

“With Jody’s assistance, we have been able to maintain a high standard of quality care for the residents we serve,” said Patricia A. Ebanks, Administrator at Okeechobee Health Care Facility and Jody’s nominator. “She is always willing to give guidance to other members of the team to encourage and empower them.”

Additional recipients of FHCA’s 2025 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards were:

Registered Nurse of the Year: Shana Meyer, Registered Nurse, Aspire at Ridge Haven in New Port Richey.

Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year: Jazzmyne Davis, Licensed Practical Nurse, Hillside Health and Rehabilitation Center in Zephyrhills.

Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year: Gloria Bellamy, Certified Nursing Assistant, Community Convalescent Center in Plant City.

Rising Star in Long Term Care Nursing: Amanda Justice, Unit Manager and Assistant Director of Nursing, Crestview Rehabilitation Center in Crestview.