Katy Packingham

Nomination Story

"Katy Packingham demonstrates operational excellence by turning relationships into results. As Agency Director of Caring Senior Service in Galesburg, Illinois, she has helped reshape the trajectory of the office, more than doubling weekly care hours from just over 450 to more than 1,000 within her first year in a management role. Her leadership approach is rooted in experience. Having started her career as a caregiver, Katy understands the realities of the role and the importance of building an environment where caregivers feel supported and valued. That perspective carries through in her leadership, where she prioritizes connection, communication, and consistency as the foundation for growth. Katy’s impact extends beyond internal operations. She has built strong relationships with referral partners, strengthened trust with families, and positioned the Galesburg office as a dependable resource within the local community. Her ability to balance day-to-day operational demands with meaningful relationship-building has allowed the agency to grow in both scale and reputation. She is also deeply engaged in the broader senior care landscape, contributing to organizations such as Dementia Friendly Galesburg, the Prairieland Senior Focus Group, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Rotary. Her leadership has been recognized through honors including “The Voice of Caring” and being named one of Galesburg’s Top 5 Under 40 Leaders Making the Greatest Impact for 2025. Known for her willingness to step in wherever needed, Katy leads by example. Whether supporting caregivers, working with families, or strengthening community partnerships, she brings a steady, people-first approach that drives both performance and trust. Katy’s leadership shows that strong operations are built through strong relationships. By investing in her team, her clients, and her community, she has created an environment where growth is not forced, but earned, and where success is shared across everyone involved in the care journey. "