Two years ago, when I stepped into the role of chair of the board of LeadingAge, none of us had any idea what was ahead of us. We’d begun to hear about a virus that was spreading in China but I don’t think any of us anticipated the way in which COVID-19 would change our lives, our work and our world. The world of elder care was upended by this virus and its long term impact on our field still remains to be seen.

LeadingAge and our LeadingAge members all stepped up—way up—when the days became dark. LeadingAge helped to light the way with webinars, briefings, ongoing communication and connection at a time that we all felt alone and isolated. LeadingAge leadership and members also played significant roles in making sure that we countered negative media with truth and that we took a strong stand to make our collective voices heard. And our members, the truly dedicated souls that work in our organizations, fought their own fights with strength, courage and creativity. Even in the midst of crisis, our members shared information, helped each other and never wavered in their commitment to the work that we do.

I believe fully that the last two difficult years have prepared us to move forward with even greater success than ever before. We have proven to ourselves that we are resourceful and resilient. We understand, even more clearly, that the demands of our future consumer will be different, causing us to potentially change our direction, our roles and even our thinking. We have demonstrated our ability to overcome monumental odds and I believe that we are ready to tackle whatever lies ahead—proactively, thoughtfully and with renewed focus on our mission.

This was not the term as board chair I expected to have, as you can well imagine. Yet I look back at these two years and am grateful for the role that I had the opportunity to play. Being a part of our Coronavirus webinars and offering these regular blog posts has allowed me to make connections with a number of our members. Providing recorded and live keynotes and sessions at both annual meeting and State conferences has been a privilege, one small way in which I hope that I helped to make a difference.

I have said at the end of each message during our Coronavirus webinars that I am proud to work with each and every one of you. Truer words were never spoken. I am proud to work with you, inspired by you and awed by your extraordinary and unwavering commitment to our field and to the elders we serve. I look forward to continuing to play an active role with LeadingAge as immediate past chair and hope that there will continue to be many opportunities to interact with you.

Be well, stay strong and continue—as you have unwaveringly—to hold each other up.