October 27, 2026 Washington, DC — Aging services leaders’ innovation, leadership, and dedication to serving older adults are front and center at this week’s LeadingAge Annual Meeting, the aging services sector’s go-to event held at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
During this morning’s keynote event, two of the most coveted recognitions, the Joan Anne McHugh Award for Excellence in Frontline Nurse Supervision and the Award of Honor were bestowed.
Mandy Crawford, RN, received the 2026 Joan Anne McHugh Award for Excellence in Frontline Nurse Supervision. As personal care clinical services director at Cross Keys Village – The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, PA, Crawford has distinguished herself through her unwavering commitment to mentoring, supporting, and developing frontline caregivers. She is known for creating pathways for professional growth, encouraging team members to pursue new career opportunities, and fostering a workplace culture built on trust, learning, and accountability. Under her leadership, staff training programs have expanded, medication errors have decreased, and team members consistently report feeling valued and empowered. Crawford’s own journey from certified nursing assistant to registered nurse reflects the compassion, perseverance, and servant leadership that define her approach to caring for both residents and colleagues. Read more about Mandy.
Jill Wilson, president and CEO of Otterbein SeniorLife, received the 2026 LeadingAge Award of Honor. Recognized for more than three decades of leadership in aging services, Wilson has transformed senior living through strategic growth, innovation, mentorship, and mission-driven leadership. Since becoming president and CEO in 2009, she has guided Otterbein’s expansion into a multi-state organization serving more than 10,000 individuals annually across Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Throughout her career, Wilson has championed the preservation and advancement of nonprofit senior living organizations while helping build partnerships that strengthen communities and expand services for older adults. Her collaborative leadership style, commitment to innovation, and dedication to ensuring a strong future for mission-driven providers have made her one of the most respected leaders in the field. Read more about Jill.
“Both Mandy and Jill represent the very best of aging services leadership,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge. “Mandy demonstrates every day how investing in frontline team members strengthens care, builds confidence, and creates opportunities for growth. Jill has shown what visionary leadership can accomplish by expanding mission-driven services, fostering innovation, and ensuring that nonprofit organizations continue to thrive in service to older adults. Together, they remind us that the future of aging services depends on leaders who are committed to people, purpose, and possibility.”
This year’s event brings together over 5,000 attendees, including LeadingAge’s nonprofit and mission-driven provider members representing the full continuum of aging services from across the country to learn, strengthen networks, and find inspiration in one of the sector’s most unique gatherings.
