McKnight’s Senior Living has announced the recipients of their 2026 Pinnacle Awards. Agemark Executive Chairman Marty Hug was named a recipient of the “Inspiration Award” and is one more than thirty long-term care professionals honored by an independent national panel. Each leader was recognized for setting new standards, driving change, and inspiring others during careers spanning at least 20 years in skilled nursing, senior living, home care, or affiliated provider fields.
Hug has been at Agemark since 1989, the year he was recruited to help the company expand into the Midwest by Agemark’s founders, Richard Westin and the late Jesse Pittore. His first role was as the director of one of Agemark’s properties, and after steadily advancing through the company, earning roles as a Regional Director of Operations, and later COO, he was promoted to CEO in 2022, where he served until transitioning to the Executive Chairman role in June 2025.
“The chance to inspire and encourage others throughout my career has been an incredible blessing,” said Marty Hug, Executive Chairman of Agemark. “I have learned so much from seniors and the wisdom they have imparted; and observed the commitment, and love shown everyday by the teammates I am lucky to work alongside, and it has truly changed my life. Truth be told, they are my inspiration and motivate me to be the best servant leader I can be. To receive this award alongside many of my distinguished colleagues is both humbling and encouraging. It reminds me that caring for people both senior and teammates alike, is important work and I am truly fortunate to get to do that every day.”
The Pinnacle Awards are a joint program of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News and sister media brands McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care.
