State Association Names Kevin Mannix as Employee of the Year

Kevin Mannix, Director of Dining Services at Cypress Cove at HealthPark Florida has been named The Employee of the Year by LeadingAge Florida.

The Award, given by Florida’s 400-membership senior care and service community organization, was recently awarded to Mannix at the association’s convention in Orlando. Mannix, who has served since 2006 as Director of Dining Services at the 48-acre Life Plan Community in South Fort Myers, was recognized for his demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to the enhancement of the quality of life for residents of Cypress Cove.

In the years since his arrival, the number of dining services personnel has increased dramatically and now services nine separate dining facilities located in the independent, assisted living, skilled living and rehabilitation, and assisted living memory care facilities.

Together, more than 100 dining services employees work to ensure outstanding service to residents and a consistent high standard in food quality is provided for Cypress Cove’s 1,000 daily meals.

“Kevin is a unique individual, caring and compassionate with the highest of standards, someone no one wants to disappoint,” Executive Director Michele Wasserlauf wrote in her nomination remarks. “Cypress Cove is a better place because Kevin Mannix is the dining services director and we are so happy to see him receive this honor.”

Mannix attended the University of South Florida before coming to South Seas Resort on Captiva Island where he served in many capacities including directorship in catering and food and beverage.

Cypress Cove Executive Chef Christian Lawrence, who cut his culinary teeth under Kevin’s tutelage, said of him – “Great leaders create leaders and I believe that is what Kevin Mannix does for our community and residents. He instills pride and values in everything we do…”