Larry Minnix Leadership Academy

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The Leadership Academy is designed to develop the leadership capacities and core competencies of aging services professionals by tapping into their natural talents and authentic leadership styles, irrespective of their professional experience, job title or type of position within an organization.

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Apply by July 14

Applications for the 2026 program year will be accepted until 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 14, 2025.

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Unlike many leadership programs that focus on building a core skillset for new leaders or are geared toward nurturing a specific career path for “emerging” leaders, the Leadership Academy provides a leadership foundation rooted in reflective practice—developing a deep understanding of one’s self, uncovering one’s unique leadership attributes, and learning how to stretch and leverage those capacities to have the most impact as leaders.

About the Program

The curriculum draws on adult learning theory to delve into the core principles of reflective leadership through a variety of components. The program emphasizes self-exploration and relationship-building to enable participants to embrace diversity of thought, move beyond pre-conceived assumptions and view their own experiences and those of others as learning opportunities.

Leadership Theory

Readings, group discussions and exercises throughout the year delve into the various ways (and contexts) in which the leadership theories are and can be applied to real-world settings within and outside of the aging services field.
Member Site Visits

Site visits expose Fellows to a variety of housing and service settings and the people (at all levels) responsible for creating unique environments and programming across the full range older adult services.
Leaders in Residence

Intimate conversations with a wide range of leaders in our field give Fellows insight into the different actions, personal beliefs, values and goals that shape individual leadership styles and approaches.
Study Circle

Through a variety of discussions and exercises, Fellows explore gaps in our field from many points of view, identify areas of common interest and generate ideas for action or areas for further exploration.
Action Learning

The action learning process encourages Fellows to move a project forward while at the same time reflecting on their Academy learnings, actions and the hands-on, practical experiences that enable leaders to more effectively navigate change.

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Program Information

2026 Schedule

The Academy year begins with two virtual orientations and unfolds over five in-person and virtual gatherings, including conference-based meetings and site visits to LeadingAge provider members.

Please Note: dates and locations are subject to change.

Winter Virtual Experience | Feb. 10-12, 2026

Via Zoom

Leadership Summit Experience | April 19-22, 2026

Held in conjunction with the LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, DC

Summer Experience and Member Site Visits | June 9-11, 2026

DMV-Area, DC

Fall Experience and Member Site Visits | Aug. 25-27, 2026

Denver, CO

Annual Meeting Experience/Final Gathering | Oct. 23-25, 2026

Held in conjunction with the LeadingAge Annual Meeting & EXPO in Philadelphia, PA.

Member site visits are a core component to the Leadership Academy experience. Details about the 2026 site visits is coming soon!

The team responsible for the programmatic design and implementation of the Leadership Academy brings together a unique set of complimentary talents to the program’s ongoing curriculum development.

Judy Brown, Ph.D.

Educator in Private Practice, West River, MD

Judy Brown is a leadership educator, author, poet, speaker and coach. She has developed and facilitated countless leadership initiatives for organizations ranging from the federal government and Ford to the Urban Library Council. Her work in organizations revolves around themes of leadership, change, learning, dialogue and creativity. She has served as facilitator for the LeadingAge Leadership Academy since its inception.

Wendy Green, M.A.

Vice President, Leadership Engagement and Development, LeadingAge, Washington, DC

As vice president of leadership engagement and development, Wendy leads a variety of leadership initiatives and learning opportunities for executive-level peer groups, including the design, implementation, and facilitation of the Leadership Academy. Before LeadingAge, Wendy worked in DC-based associations and think tanks to strengthen capacities of current and emerging leaders. She uses her expertise to create engaging education opportunities for leaders at every level.

BreAna Moss, M.A.

Manager, Education & Leadership Programs, LeadingAge, Washington, DC

BreAna draws on her Master’s in Management of Aging Services to contribute to all aspects of the content development of conference-based programming and online learning opportunities. In her role, she is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization’s leadership programs and related initiatives, including the coordination of all programmatic aspects of LeadingAge’s flagship leadership program, the Leadership Academy.

Jaia Davis

Education Programs and Services Coordinator, LeadingAge, Washington, DC

As the Education Programs and Services Coordinator, Jaia assists with the logistical and operational aspects of LeadingAge’s Leadership Academy program, as well as other leadership programming and engagement opportunities for c-suite/executive-level peer groups; including the day-to-day coordination of program data and related support systems/infrastructure. Jaia also supports various educational offerings including conference education, online learning, and shared learning events.

Our Leadership Academy coaches bring rich leadership knowledge and expertise to the program and help guide fellows through the program year, providing ongoing support and mentoring.

Alex Candalla circle headshot

Alex Candalla, Pacific Retirement Services, OR (2025-2026)

Nicole Gann Headshot Circle Crop

Nicole Gann, Juliette Fowler Communities-Senior Living, TX (2025-2026)

Vennita Jenkins circle crop

Vennita Jenkins, Senior Housing Options, Inc., CO (2024-2025)

Russ Mast Circle Crop

Russ Mast, HumanGood, PA (2024-2025)

Carol Silver Elliott circle crop

Carol Silver-Elliott, Jewish Home Family, NJ (2026)

Julie Thorson Headshot Circle

Julie Thorson, Friendship Haven, IA (2025)

Jeff Weatherhead Circle Crop

Jeff Weatherhead, Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, FL (2024–2025)

LeadingAge seeks inclusive participation within the field of aging services, representative of its diverse workforce.

Any individual who works for a LeadingAge provider member organization is eligible to apply, irrespective of professional experience, type or level of position. It is far more important for an applicant to demonstrate deep leadership potential within their organization than it is for them to have a specific job title or tenure in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

Participation in the program is contingent upon employment by a LeadingAge provider member. In addition:

Applicants must secure and confirm approval from organizational leadership before applying to the program.
Applicants should confirm internal approval for the program fee and expenses before applying.
A letter of reference is required for an applicant to be considered for the program.

Attendance at all in-person and virtual program gatherings is required as is the completion of all projects, assignments, and readings. If at any point a Fellow is unemployed or unable to meet any of the eligibility requirements, continued participation in the program is subject to review by LeadingAge.

Fees and Expenses

The sponsoring organization/employer is responsible for covering the $6,200 non-refundable participant fee as well as all hotel and travel expenses (including meals) associated with each of the four in-person program gatherings.

LeadingAge provides reading materials as well as complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting and Leadership Summit that take place during the Academy year. In addition, some meals are provided onsite.

Financial Hardship

LeadingAge seeks to eliminate barriers to participation by making financial support available to sponsoring organizations that are unable to cover the full participant fee. Partial scholarships (up to 50% of program fee) are available to individuals with a demonstrated financial need or hardship and a commitment to ongoing professional (and personal) development. Interested individuals should complete the financial hardship statement in their application.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by an internal committee of LeadingAge staff and evaluated using the following criteria:

How well does the applicant demonstrate a personal commitment to the field of aging services?
How well does the applicant demonstrate a dedication to lifelong learning?
To what extent does the applicant possess the leadership capacity needed to be a transformational leader?
How well defined, insightful and introspective are the leadership essays?

In addition, we strive for broad participation from LeadingAge member organizations and a cohort of fellows representing a wide range of backgrounds, roles, and perspectives.

Participation in the program is contingent upon employment by a LeadingAge provider member. In addition:

Applicants must secure and confirm approval from organizational leadership before applying to the program.
Applicants should confirm internal approval for the program fee and expenses before applying.
A letter of reference is required for an applicant to be considered for the program.

Background & Personal History

Share unique aspects of your lived experiences to help us better understand how your story enriches the broader LeadingAge community. (optional)

Employer Information

Select your organization’s corporate structure (multisite or single-site).
List the site/community where you work/perform your primary job responsibilities.
Identify the area of the aging services continuum that best describes the site/community where you work (e.g. skilled nursing, assisted living, affordable housing, life plan community, adult day and PACE, hospice, home-based services, etc.).
Describe other characteristics that make your organization unique (urban/rural, services provided, special populations served, innovative programming, etc.).

Professional & Learning Experience

List your primary area of expertise, responsibility or job function that best describes your position/role within your organization (e.g. finance, resident services, wellness, clinical, etc.).
Identify your years of experience in the field of aging services.
Share the learning and/or educational experiences (formal and informal) that have shaped your professional journey and contributed to your leadership development.

Personal Essay

Describe the capacities that you possess that make you an effective leader and the specific ways you have utilized these attributes, professionally and personally. Please refer to a significant professional achievement, your role in attaining that achievement and the impact it had on your organization.
Describe the perspective and knowledge you hope to acquire because of your participation in the Leadership Academy and how these insights will enable you to become a transformational leader.
Describe your personal commitment to aging services, share your journey into the field and illustrate your vision for the future of aging services.

Letter of Reference

Provide the name and contact information of the individual who will submit a reference letter on your behalf. This should be your direct supervisor or your organization’s CEO. If you are the CEO, please list a board member.

Financial Hardship

If you would like to be considered for financial assistance (up to 50% of program fee), provide a brief statement outlining any relevant circumstances that prevent your organization from providing the financial support for your participation in this event/program—and how you and your organization will benefit from your participation in the Leadership Academy. (optional)

2025 Leadership Academy Fellows

Robert Adkins, Masonic Home of Virginia, VA
Angela Allen, Christian Living Communities, CO
Beryl Bannerman, Human Good, PA
Jessie Bosshard, Givens Home First, NC
Jennifer Bullock, MEASE Life, FL
Kevin Chamberlin, Otterbein Union Township, OH
Anthony Comerford, Jefferson’s Ferry, NY
Cari Conrad, Friendship Haven, IA
Jonah Cox, Frasier, CO
Lauren Coyle, Bethany Village, OH
Constance Dogan, Waverly Heights, Ltd., PA
Jennifer Faro, Edgewood Retirement Community, MA
Cory Fish, St. Paul’s Senior Homes and Services, CA
Richard Foor, Givens Communities, NC
Andrea Gibson, Human Good- Rydal Park, PA
Jennifer Gill, LeadingAge North Carolina, NC
Samira Gray, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, NJ
Sam Guedouar, Roland Park Place, MD
Carter Hanna, Brandon Oaks, VA
Lauren Hathaway, 2Life Communities, MA
Jennifer Hayes, McGregor, OH
Maley Hunt, LiveWell, CT
Rebecca Hurlbert, Pilgrim Place, CA
Dionne James, Acts Retirement- Life Communities- Tryon Estates, NC
Travis Le Duc, Archie Hendricks Senior Skilled Nursing Facility, AZ
Megan Lovejoy, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, Inc., NY
Zack Margolis, Beaumont at Bryn Mawr, PA
Sarah Marr, ThriveMore, NC
Travis Masonis, Jewish Senior Life, NY
Sherry Mercer, Mozaic Senior Life, CT
Matt Miller, Covenant Living Communities and Services, IL
Kadine Mitchell, Friends House Retirement Community, MD
Anna Moyer, ClarkLindsey, IL
Roberto J. Muñiz, Stonebridge at Montgomery, NJ
Semira Negasi, Seabury at Friendship Terrace, DC
Jessica Nelson, Nascentia Health, NY
Ari Peyser, Eaton Senior Communities Inc., CO
Fay Pinto, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, NY
Casey Rebimbas, Covenant Living of Cromwell, CT
Jessica Sharer, Presbyterian Senior Living, PA
Lisa Shine, The Sharon at SouthPark, NC
Cori Steiner, Willow Valley Communities, PA
Paul Vlecides, Parker Health Group Inc., NJ
Asa Whitcomb, Vermont Veteran’s Home, VT
Rashad Wilson, The Forest at Duke, NC
Julie Zhu, Goodwin Living, VA

View the full list of the Leadership Academy Alumni.

Action learning is a foundational component of the Leadership Academy program curriculum. It provides a structured method for Fellows to apply new ideas, approaches and strategic thinking that enable them to navigate and advance change more effectively and with greater impact.

Working toward an Action Learning Project throughout the program year enables Fellows to begin working on long-term projects that will advance person-directed practices and approaches in their organizations and the field of aging.

Since 2006, Fellows have embarked on a variety of projects to advance person-directed practices and approaches in their organizations—tapping into their passion for aging services and highlighting the many ways they are helping to advance innovations in our field.

View the Action Learning Project Presentations from over the years!