Senior Living Association Names The Beacon at Gulf Breeze Employee of The Year

Published: June 29, 2023

Nelson Ford, Director of Maintenance at The Beacon at Gulf Breeze, has been named the Florida Senior Living Association’s 2023 Employee of The Year. Ford received the award during the final day of the association's annual conference on June 28 in Boca Raton.



The FSLA awarded one individual from each of five categories during its Best of the Best Awards Program:

  • Executive Director of the Year
  • Employee of the Year
  • Caregiver of the Year
  • Sales & Marketing Director of the Year
  • Volunteer of the Year

The Best of the Best Awards recognize individuals who provide extraordinary service to the residents and their community. Individuals were nominated for the accolade earlier this year, and winners were notified on June 14.


“We cannot overstate how proud we are of Nelson. His achievements and dedication go beyond the call of duty, reflecting his professional commitment, incredible heart, and character. The care, creativity, and compassion he exhibits daily are not just qualities; they are a calling he has embraced,” SRI Management CEO Don Bishop said. “The Employee of the Year award given by the Florida Senior Living Association acknowledges what we at SRI Management have known all along – that Nelson is truly exceptional.”


And the community is also proud of Nelson.


“Nelson is so deserving of this prestigious award. He is such an outstanding human being and cares so much about our residents,” The Beacon at Gulf Breeze Executive Director Stephanie Gorman said. “We would all like to thank him for everything he does.”

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