For almost 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the greatest leaders in aging services—in some cases early in their leadership development journey. I’ve seen them build critical capacities like a broadened perspective, an approach that relies on curiosity, confidence, and appreciation, and the ability to attend to day-to-day realities while having an unwavering vision for the future. 

These skills are the cornerstone of great leadership and are critical to a successful aging services organization. And they are hard won—developed and strengthened over time through a life-long approach to learning and growing as leaders. 

Leadership has always been a part of LeadingAge’s focus, and I’m thrilled that we are recognizing impactful leaders in our membership with the new LeadingAge Leadership Award. This is an important opportunity to elevate and celebrate the people in our sector whose unique attributes make a significant difference in their organization or local community.

Strong and diverse leaders are absolutely essential to building up our aging services workforce and preparing for future service possibilities and growth opportunities. I hope this new award helps member organizations celebrate their dedicated staff in new ways, and that you’ll consider nominating a deserving leader. 

Think of those you know whose positive attitude and mentorship attract and retain amazing staff, or who bring innovative ideas to the table and get enthusiastic team buy-in with their collaborative approach. And we know leaders don’t exist only at the most senior level, so think beyond your C-suite. This award will recognize leaders at any level who play a critical role in ensuring organizational mission success.

Nominations are due February 23 and requirements include some pieces that may take a little time to pull together—examples of exceptional practices, letters of recommendation or support, or details of influence in their organization/community—so learn more today and prepare your nominations. The awardee will be honored at the LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. in April. I can’t think of a more appropriate way to recognize a leader deeply committed to developing strong teams and leaders than to present their award in a room surrounded by aging services leaders from around the country. I hope you’ll join us.

Wendy Green is LeadingAge’s Vice President of Leadership Engagement & Development. In this role,  she leads and manages our leadership development programming and CEO engagement initiative.