Carestar Award 2026

CareStar Awards event banner artwork

September 16, 2026

4th Annual CareStar Awards & End of Summer Boat Soirée

Building the Future of Care

An evening of recognition, connection, and celebration on the New York’s skyline.

Departs
Sept 16 New York, NY
Vessel
Timeless Yacht Pier 36, New York
Occasion
CareStar Awards 4th Annual


Why It Matters

Recognition honors the people who hold care together.

Behind every strong community is a network of caregivers, clinicians, and advocates whose work rarely makes headlines. Public recognition does more than honor a moment — it validates a career, inspires the next generation to enter the field, and reminds the wider industry what excellence in care actually looks like.

Elevates unsung leaders
Shines a light on the professionals and organizations doing transformative work outside the spotlight.
Strengthens the sector
Brings decision-makers, innovators, and advocates into the same room to build what comes next.
Builds a lasting standard
Sets a benchmark for excellence that communities and organizations can point to year after year.
Networking & Fun
Connect with industry leaders, decision-makers, and fellow professionals in meaningful conversations that spark new opportunities. Then, relax, celebrate, and unwind from the demands of everyday work in an evening designed for both connection and enjoyment.

Past winners photo collage
CareStar event banner artwork
Past winner portrait
What Is the CareStar Awards

A yearly gathering that honors the future of care.

Hosted by Anchor Group NA Corp, the CareStar Awards brings together New York’s healthcare and social care leaders, innovators, advocates, and changemakers to honor the individuals and organizations whose compassion, leadership, innovation, and service strengthen communities and shape the future of care.

04
Years Running
NYC
Skyline Setting
1
Unforgettable Night

Save the Date

On September 16, 2026, join us once again for the 4th Annual CareStar Awards & End of Summer Boat Soirée.

An evening where excellence is celebrated, new connections are formed, and lasting memories are created against the breathtaking New York City skyline.

Guests connecting on deck
Boat ride skyline view
Networking moment
Guests in conversation
Evening skyline detail
More Than an Awards Ceremony

Where excellence is celebrated and meaningful connections are made.

It is where industry leaders, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, community advocates, and partners come together to celebrate impact, exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships, and honor those whose work continues to improve lives.

  • Inspiring award presentations recognizing this year’s honorees
  • Premium networking with healthcare and social care leaders
  • Fine dining, entertainment, and an elegant cruise experience
Recognition · 2026

Meet Our 2026 Honorees

This year’s recipients represent exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions across healthcare and social care.

Ron Abad

Ron Abad
Chief Executive Officer, Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (CHI)
Claudia M. Boyle, MS, LMHC

Claudia M. Boyle, MS, LMHC
Chief Executive Officer, Hispanic Counseling Center
Ana Tabachneck, MSEd, LCSW

Ana Tabachneck, MSEd, LCSW
Chief Policy and Compliance Officer, Community Care Management Partners, New York City
Cassaundra Howell

Cassaundra Howell
President and CEO, Public Health Solutions (PHS)
Gary P. Jenkins

Gary P. Jenkins
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways
Bobby Brannigan

Bobby Brannigan
Co-founder and CEO, Mercato
Donovan Richards Jr.

Donovan Richards Jr.
21st Borough President of Queens
Ngozi Moses

Ngozi Moses
Founding Executive Director of the Brooklyn Perinatal Network (BPN)
Karen Brooks

Karen Brooks
Honoree
Hosting the Evening

Master of Ceremonies

Guiding an inspiring evening of recognition, celebration, and connection.

Edric Robinson

Master of Ceremonies

Edric Robinson

Two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist

Master of Ceremonies

Dr. Paula Anderson

Founder, President & CEO, PACE Consulting

The Archive

Past Honorees

A growing hall of recognition — every leader and organization celebrated across four years of the CareStar Awards.





Annette Horvath, 2025 honoree

Annette Horvath, MS, BSN, RN
Chief Operating Officer, Able Body Home Care Agency of NY, Inc.
2025 Honoree
Chris Banks, 2025 honoree

Chris Banks
Council Member, 42nd Council District, Brooklyn
2025 Honoree
Cyrus O. McCalla, 2025 honoree

Cyrus O. McCalla, MD, FACOG
Chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brookdale Hospital
2025 Honoree
Damaris Reyes, 2025 honoree

Damaris Reyes
Executive Director, Good Old Lower East Side, Inc. (GOLES)
2025 Honoree
Dr. Melony Samuels, 2025 honoree

Dr. Melony Samuels
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, The Campaign Against Hunger
2025 Honoree
Frankie Hamilton, 2025 honoree

Frankie Hamilton, MBA, MSN, RN
Vice President of Nursing Operations, Maimonides Medical Center
2025 Honoree
Karen B. Redlener, 2025 honoree

Karen B. Redlener, MS
Co-founder, Children’s Health Fund
2025 Honoree
Michelle Morse, 2025 honoree

Michelle Morse, MD, MPH
Acting Health Commissioner & Chief Medical Officer, NYCDOHMH
2025 Honoree
Ramondy Thermidor, 2025 honoree

Ramondy Thermidor, MBA
VP of Operations & Strategy, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
2025 Honoree
Richard M. Trouth, 2025 honoree

Richard M. Trouth
Executive Director, Brooklyn Neighborhood Services
2025 Honoree
Soffiyah Elijah, 2025 honoree

Soffiyah Elijah
Executive Director, The Alliance of Families for Justice
2025 Honoree
Stephen Vaccaro, 2025 honoree

Stephen Vaccaro
President, HHAeXchange
2025 Honoree
Carla Tellez, 2024 honoree

Carla Tellez
Chief Executive Officer, Our Children First, Inc.
2024 Honoree
Carle-Marie Memnon, 2024 honoree

Carle-Marie Memnon, DHA
President-Elect, Healthcare Leaders of New York
2024 Honoree
Dr. Edwin Simpser, 2024 honoree

Dr. Edwin Simpser
President & CEO, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
2024 Honoree
Dr. Sandra Scott, 2024 honoree

Dr. Sandra Scott
Executive Director, Brookdale Hospital
2024 Honoree
Michael Lamberg, 2024 honoree

Michael Lamberg
Chief Sales Officer, Lamb Insurance Services
2024 Honoree
Michelle Barker, 2024 honoree

Michelle Barker
CEO & Founder, Mbark Enterprises and 1DA Woman, Inc.
2024 Honoree
Michelle Everett-Oxley, 2023 honoree

Michelle Everett-Oxley, MSW
Chief Executive Officer, BMS Family & Wellness Centers
2023 Honoree
Natasha Elie-Louissaint, 2023 honoree

Natasha Elie-Louissaint
Vice President, Operations & Ambulatory Services, Calvary Hospital
2023 Honoree
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, 2023 honoree

Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez
President & CEO, Urban Health Plan
2023 Honoree
Roger Milliner, 2023 honoree

Roger Milliner
Chief Growth Officer, MetroPlus Health Plan
2023 Honoree
Rona Shapiro, 2023 honoree

Rona Shapiro
Executive Vice President, 1199SEIU
2023 Honoree
Sherly Demosthenes-Atkinson, 2023 honoree

Sherly Demosthenes-Atkinson
President & Chief Executive Officer, CABS Health Network
2023 Honoree

Your Ticket

An Evening You Won’t Want to Miss

Admission Includes
Boarding Pass · No. 2026-04
Awards & Boat Soirée
Admission to the full 4th Annual CareStar Awards & Boat Soirée
Premium Networking
Connect with healthcare and social care leaders
Live Award Presentations
Watch this year’s honorees recognized on stage
Dinner & Refreshments
A full dining experience throughout the evening
Entertainment
Live entertainment throughout the soirée
Scenic NYC Cruise
Spectacular views of the New York City skyline
Event Photography
Professional photography and memorable keepsakes
An Evening to Remember
Whether celebrating a nominee or supporting excellence in care

Reserve Your Seat

Seats are limited, and early reservations are encouraged.

Get your tickets today and be part of the celebration.

4th Annual CareStar Awards · September 16, 2026 · Pier 36, New York

Look Back

Relive the CareStar Experience

Explore highlights from previous CareStar Awards celebrations and discover why this event continues to bring together some of the most inspiring leaders across healthcare and social care.











Anchor Group