SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Three Good Samaritan leaders have been recognized as 2025 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Award winners.
- Hall of Honor
- DeeAndra Sandgren, Chief Nursing Officer – Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Veteran VIP
- Tammi Lehto, Administrator – Loveland, Colo.
- Rising Star
- Cassie Zielke, Senior Director of Operations – Home-Based Services – Fargo, N.D.
The highly competitive recognition program honors standouts in skilled nursing, senior living and home care. A national, independent panel of judges studies all nominees’ credentials, backgrounds and results.
The Hall of Honor awards category recognizes women who are at a level equivalent to vice president or higher and who have had a significant effect on their organization or industry.
“DeeAndra embodies the spirit and intent of the Hall of Honor award. She truly has a servant heart,” said Nate Schema, Good Samaritan president and CEO. “She is the model of what a nurse leader should be. In every conversation, DeeAndra advocates for our nurses and residents and shares how the decisions at hand will impact them. I am grateful for her leadership and unwavering dedication to our nation’s seniors.”
The Veteran VIP awards category celebrates women who have more than 15 years of experience in the industry and are at a level of lower than vice president or the equivalent.
“Tammi recognizes that her role is to care for more than just residents’ physical needs,” said Randy Fitzgerald, Good Samaritan vice president of operations. “She gets to help them dream and have the most fulfilling life possible as they age. She goes above and beyond every day to make sure they feel loved and receive the best possible care.”
The Rising Star awards category honors women who have fewer than 15 years of experience in the skilled nursing, senior living or home care fields or are 40 years old or younger. All have demonstrated exceptional commitment at the community, facility, agency or corporate level.
“Cassie exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate, innovative and impactful leader,” said Shelly Koch, Good Samaritan vice president of operations of home-based services. “She is deeply committed to supporting home health and hospice patients during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Her work consistently transforms lives—not just for the patients she serves but for their families and entire communities.”
The McKnight’s Women of Distinction Awards program will culminate with an awards ceremony in Chicago on May 13.
