The Way We Lead / March 24, 2026
ResCare Community Living Executive Director Sharrae Elston has been Working Smart and Doing Good in North Highlands, CA. Sharrae was recognized as Executive Director of the Year at this year’s Community Living Divisional Awards presentation.
Sharrae’s operation saw success in several key areas in 2025. She reduced temporary labor costs to $0 and decreased overtime hours by 2,000 year-over-year. Her ICF survey results decreased by an average of 1.5 deficiencies, and three 2025 surveys had zero deficiencies. Finally, Sharrae’s operation supported both employees and clients with ICF occupancy at 97% for 2025 and employee turnover minimized by 12.5%.
Sharrae’s servant leadership prioritized staff, preventing burnout within her team while fueling significant growth and quality gains. Her empowerment within the organization built trust, lowered turnover, and led to sustainable excellence as evident in her end-of-year metrics. Regional President Matt Hensel says, “This leadership is what has enabled Sharrae to have one of the biggest transformations in an agency in recent memory.”
Congratulations, Sharrae. Your Leadership has produced meaningful results within the areas of growth, quality, and people. The culture of service and trust within your operation enables your team to better support individuals in living their best lives.
WORK SMART. DO GOOD.
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