Peconic Landing, and its president and CEO, Robert J. Syron, celebratedearning top wellness honorson Feb. 16, with the applause of proud colleagues and residents filling the community center ballroom.

The Greenport retirement community, one of Southold Town’s largest employers, was named one of thetop five senior living communitiesfor wellness in the country for the second straight year. Mr. Syron was named one of the nation’s top five wellness executives.

Mr. Syron, who loves a good bowtie, was also gifted a special Peconic Landing one.

“Each of you has played a role in making Peconic Landing one of the top five communities for wellness in North America,” said board of trustees chair Eileen McGuire. “That is an extraordinary achievement. I could not be more proud to be part of this, of an organization that keeps wellness in the forefront, day in and day out.”

Both honors were received from the International Council on Active Aging, which works with senior living communities in 47 countries. The Peconic Landing community serves residents age 62 and older and holds a Fitch Ratings investment-grade rating.

“It’s safe to say that if anyone has inspired innovations and excellence in senior living, it’s Bob,” chief operating officer Greg Garrett said of Mr. Syron. “Under Bob’s leadership, Peconic Landing has been ahead of the curve, embracing cutting-edge technologies, expanding wellness opportunities and improving the quality of life for both members and team members.”

Mr. Syron, of East Marion, has been with Peconic Landing since 2003. He’s consulted all over the country and worked for two much larger national companies. To him, though, he’snever seen anything like Peconic Landing.

Each morning — including Saturdays and Sundays — he drives into work, “and I thank God for the opportunity to serve these folks.”

While his name is on the award, Mr. Syron feels it’s not just his, and that there are even people who deserve it more than he does. He said Peconic Landing is a “flat organization” and that members, team members and board members all work together to make it a special place.

“They’re my mission, and honestly, they give back to us every day in many different ways,” he said. “We want people to live well as long as they can. It’s about successful longevity; we want people to be independent as long as possible.”

Source: The Suffolk Times