AUGUSTA — Pat Young, chief operations officer at Maine Veterans’ Homes, retired recently after caring for Maine’s veterans and their loved ones for 15 years.

She was named chief operating officer in 2007 and has led the organization to improved services that have continued to build upon MVH’s reputation nationally as a leader among state veterans homes.

Many of Young’s accomplishments are behind the scenes, but an example of her leadership can be seen in this year’s American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living National Quality Awards. Four MVH Homes were recognized as 2010 recipients of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality National Quality Award.

Young, a South Paris resident, joined MVH as assistant director of nursing in South Paris when that home first opened its doors in 1995. In 1998, she became the home’s director of nursing and two years later she became the home’s administrator.

She worked as a nurse aide while in high school and as a license practical nurse for 20 years before returning to school to receive her associate and bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

She and her husband have three children and two granddaughters.