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June 11, 2026
Brookdale dining leaders honored in 2026 DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards
Brookdale Senior Living is proud to celebrate four exceptional dining leaders who have been recognized in the 2026 DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards, presented by WTWH Healthcare and Senior Housing News. The awards honor innovators who are transforming senior living dining through culinary creativity, operational excellence, and elevated resident experiences.
This year’s honorees represent the passion, innovation, and intense focus on our resident experience that defines Brookdale communities nationwide.
Recognizing Brookdale’s 2026 Award Winners:
Zachary Willy — “Culinary Canvas”
Area Dining Services Director, Brookdale University Park CO
Zachary Willy was recognized in the “Culinary Canvas” category, which honors leaders who excel at showcasing dining programs through engaging storytelling, visual presentation, and innovative marketing approaches.
Zachary is known for turning everyday dining into thoughtful, personalized experiences that reflect residents’ preferences and bring people together. With a calm, collaborative leadership style and a “find a way” mindset, Zach supports multiple Brookdale communities and mentors associates. He helps create a dining culture rooted in creativity, connection, and care.
Deonna Barnett — “Elevating the Experience”
Dining Services Director, Brookdale Broken Arrow
Deonna Barnett earned recognition in the “Elevating the Experience” category, celebrating professionals who raise the bar for resident dining through exceptional service, programming, and hospitality innovation.
Deonna was recognized for transforming dining into a highly personalized, resident-driven experience in which engagement, hospitality, and connection are at the center of every meal. Through interactive cooking demonstrations, themed events, customized celebrations, and ongoing resident collaboration, she has created a dining program that not only reflects residents’ preferences, but also fosters a strong sense of community and belonging.
Morocco Terrell — “Operational Optimizer”
Dining Services Director, Brookdale Augusta
Morocco Terrell was honored in the “Operational Optimizer” category, which recognizes leaders implementing innovative operational practices that improve efficiency while enhancing resident satisfaction.
Morocco was recognized for his ability to combine operational excellence with consistently high-quality resident dining experiences. Through strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a servant-minded approach, he has built a dining program known for reliability, resident satisfaction, and meaningful community engagement.
Safije Sadik — “Palate Pleaser”
Dining Services Coordinator, Brookdale Utica MC
Safije Sadik received recognition in the “Palate Pleaser” category, which recognizes culinary innovation, creativity, and excellence in menu development and food preparation.
Safije was recognized for blending comforting resident favorites with fresh, globally inspired cuisine that creates meaningful culinary experiences for memory care residents. Through scratch-made dishes, fresh ingredients, and flavors inspired by her Indian heritage, she has elevated dining while also driving improvements in resident satisfaction, operational performance, and overall dining quality at Brookdale Utica Memory Care.
A Commitment to Culinary Innovation
The DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards spotlight professionals who are redefining what dining can look like in senior living communities. These dining leaders help enhance hospitality and introduce new culinary techniques to improve operational models and strengthen resident engagement.
“At Brookdale, dining is a critical cornerstone of the resident experience, directly impacting quality of life and community connection,” Brookdale Vice President of Dining Services Derek Schultze said. “We are incredibly proud of these four leaders for this well-deserved recognition, and we are grateful for the profound dedication and excellence they bring to our residents every day.”
Brookdale congratulates all 2026 DISHED award recipients and celebrates the innovation and dedication that continue to shape the future of senior living dining.
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