A Village Concepts caregiver and one of the administrators for the company that operates retirement and assisted-living communities in Pierce and King counties have been named by industry groups as some of the best in Washington in their profession.

The Washington Health Care Association selected Lori Harvison, a staff member at Sound Vista Village in Gig Harbor, as the winner of the WHCA Quality Award for Assisted Living Caregiver of the Year.

WHCA also tapped Michelle Strazis, executive director of Spiritwood at Pine Lake, for the Quality Award for Assisted Living Administrator of the Year.

The awards were formally presented during WHCA’s annual convention last month.

Harvison, who has worked at Village Concepts since 2005, was recognized for her innovation, achievement and capabilities as a caregiver. Susan Pfundt-O’Neill, executive director of Sound Vista Village, said Harvison has “an unstoppable and creative approach to caregiving that authentically shows her passion and true devotion to the families and residents that we serve.”

Strazis, executive director of Spiritwood since 2011, leads a team of more than 60 employees. WHCA cited her hard work, dedication and approachability. She’s known for preferring visiting with residents than staying behind a desk, chatting with residents while pouring drinks at “Winey Wednesdays,” organizing regular volunteering trips for Spiritwood or hosting political forums, including an afternoon with U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert.