ORLANDO, Fla., April 22, 2026 —Westminster Baldwin Park was honored today with the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care, joining an elite group that represents less than 2% of the state’s 694 nursing homes. The designation, awarded by a panel of experts and approved by the Governor of Florida, recognizes the community as one of only 15 facilities statewide and one of only three in Central Florida to currently hold the prestigious honor.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Executive Director Mark Neimeyer, who acknowledged the collective effort required to reach this level of accreditation.
“Thank you all for being here to celebrate the recognition of more than two years of dedicated work and collaboration focused on excellence in health services: the awarding of the Governor’s Gold Seal for excellence in long-term care,” Neimeyer said. “The support of each and every one of you is what made this achievement possible.”
The presentation was led by Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Shevaun L. Harris, who praised the team’s unwavering commitment to the Orlando community.
“I want you to know how much we appreciate you and what a big distinction and honor it is,” Secretary Harris said. “And so on behalf of the governor I am overwhelmed with joy to be here and to be able to present you with your certificate and thank you all for what you do every single day.”
The Gold Seal is awarded based on rigorous standards of clinical quality and 30 months of flawless operation. Westminster Communities of Florida Senior Vice President of Operations Jim Polaski emphasized the significance of this benchmark for the organization.
“Westminster Baldwin Park joins an elite group representing less than 2% of facilities statewide that hold this designation,” Polaski said. “This is not just a win for this campus; it is a benchmark of excellence for our entire organization and the senior living industry at large.”
Westminster Baldwin Park Health Services Administrator Laure Zulkowski, accepting the award on behalf of the team, noted that the community has redefined the standard for modern rehabilitation.
“The Westminster Baldwin Park team is exceptional, and this award reflects that excellence. They’ve mastered clinical metrics as well as the art of creating a place where people feel safe, refreshed, and at home,” Zulkowski said. “This award reflects the hard work, strong leadership, and commitment of a team that lives our mission every day—inspiring older adults to live happy, healthy, and purposeful lives.”
In attendance to mark the occasion were Deputy Secretary of Health Quality Assurance Kimberly R. Smoak, along with senior leadership from Westminster Communities of Florida, including Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Martens and Regional Vice President of Operations Chris Callahan.
About Westminster Baldwin Park: Westminster Baldwin Park is a Life Plan Community situated amid the natural beauty of Lake Baldwin in Orlando, Fla. Just minutes from the shops and dining of New Broad Street, the community offers a maintenance-free lifestyle for independent seniors, along with a full continuum of care including assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. Learn more at WestminsterBaldwinParkFL.org.
About Westminster Communities of Florida: Established in 1954, Westminster Communities of Florida has grown into the state’s largest not-for-profit senior living provider. Today, our continuing care retirement communities in Florida serve more than 10,000 seniors. For more than 70 years, we have been fulfilling our Mission to serve from the heart and inspire happy, healthy and purposeful lives. Learn more at WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org.
