November 4, 2025 Washington, DC — Aging services leaders’ innovation, leadership, and dedication to serving older adults are front and center at this week’s LeadingAge Annual Meeting at Thomas Michael Menino Convention Center in Boston. This year’s event, which runs in tandem with the Global Ageing Network Conference, brings together over 6,000 attendees, including LeadingAge’s nonprofit, mission-driven provider members representing the full continuum of aging services from across the world to learn, strengthen networks, and find inspiration in one of the sector’s most unique gatherings.

Dana Conrad, LPN, today, November 4, receives the 2025 Joan Anne McHugh Award for Excellence in Frontline Nurse Supervision. As a staff development nurse and human resources specialist at Baptist Life Communities in Alexandria, Kentucky, Conrad has become a cornerstone of support and leadership for her team. She is celebrated for her hands-on coaching style, real-time educational guidance, and ability to foster open, empathetic communication among staff. Her efforts have led to improved retention, stronger morale, and a culture of compassionate care. Conrad also mentors aspiring nurses, supports colleagues through personal challenges, and advocates for policy changes—most notably the proposed “Dana May Act,” which aims to ensure dignified end-of-life care. While working full-time, she is also pursuing her RN degree, exemplifying dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to the future of long-term care. Read more about Dana here.

Marcus Riley, chairman of BallyCara, headquartered in Scarborough, Queensland, Australia; founder of the Booming Ageing Agency and Global Ageing Network board member, on Monday, November 3, received the 2025 LeadingAge Award of Honor. Recognized for his visionary leadership and global advocacy for older adults, Riley has spent over two decades championing innovative approaches to aging services. His work emphasizes dignity, empowerment, and holistic well-being, and he has played a pivotal role in shaping international policy and practice through his involvement with the United Nations and other global forums. Riley’s commitment to person-centered care and his efforts to elevate the voices of older people worldwide have made him a transformative figure in the field of aging. Read more about Marcus here.

“Dana Conrad and Marcus Riley embody the heart and soul of our field,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge. “Dana’s unwavering commitment to frontline staff and her compassionate leadership have created a culture of care that uplifts everyone around her. Marcus’s global vision and tireless advocacy have reshaped how we think about aging, inspiring change across continents. Their contributions remind us what’s possible when passion meets purpose.”