Cheryl Martin recognized by CALA for 48 years of service, compassionate leadership in Folsom-area community
Cheryl Martin, executive director at Prairie City Landing, was honored Wednesday by the California Assisted Living Association for nearly five decades of service to older adults and for the leadership she has brought to one of the Folsom area’s senior living communities.
Martin received CALA’s Outstanding Executive Director Award during an Awards Celebration Luncheon held June 3 at Elevate: CALA’s Spring Conference & Trade Show in Sacramento. The recognition was part of the association’s annual Excellence in Service Awards, which honor individuals in CALA-member communities who go beyond their job descriptions to support residents, uplift teammates and strengthen quality senior living communities.
For Prairie City Landing, the award places local senior living leadership among the top honorees recognized across Northern California this year. Martin has dedicated 48 years to serving older adults, including the past six years leading Prairie City Landing, where CALA credited her with building a culture centered on empathy, connection and recognizing the strengths of others.
Martin is known for a leadership style that encourages team members to look first at what people can do, rather than focusing on limitations. Team members later shared that her approach changed the way they look at one another, helping shift attention toward individual strengths and the value each person brings to the community.
“Cheryl’s ability to lead with empathy, inspire growth and create meaningful connections has made a lasting impact on residents, families and team members alike,” said CALA President and CEO Heather Harrison. “Her leadership reflects the very best of senior living and the profound difference compassionate leadership can make in a community.”
That sense of connection is reflected in traditions Martin has helped continue and create at Prairie City Landing. She has carried on a two-decade tradition of preparing cherries jubilee with residents each New Year’s Eve, turning the holiday into a shared celebration that connects residents through food, memory and community. Each New Year’s Day, she organizes vision board activities designed to encourage reflection, goal setting and a renewed sense of purpose.
Under Martin’s leadership, Prairie City Landing residents also volunteer with local nonprofits, while staff members regularly support first responders and community causes. CALA noted those efforts as examples of how Martin’s leadership extends beyond the walls of the senior living community and into the broader region it serves.
CALA presents its annual Excellence in Service Awards to recognize senior living professionals who step beyond their regular roles to uplift residents, support teammates and lead with strength, compassion and commitment. The awards are presented to individuals serving in assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities throughout California.
Martin was one of five senior living professionals honored during Wednesday’s luncheon. Other 2026 Excellence in Service Award recipients included Lilian Manning, resident medication assistant at Eskaton Village Roseville, who received the Outstanding Caregiver Award; Neika Jordan, housekeeper at Carlton Senior Living Sacramento, who received the Outstanding Team Member Award; Julia Johnson, activity manager at Carlton Senior Living Elk Grove, who received the Outstanding Department Director Award; and Millet Deguzman, licensed vocational nurse at Revere Court Memory Care, who received the Outstanding Community Nurse Award.
The awards were presented during CALA’s Spring Conference & Trade Show, which brings together professionals from assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities throughout California for education, networking and collaboration focused on strengthening quality senior living communities.
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