Leadership development has long been an essential priority for LeadingAge. We know that the success of our field depends on unique leadership talent, and our range of leadership programs helps members discover and tap into their own natural leadership gifts as they learn to “lead from within.”

As we open nominations for the third annual LeadingAge Leadership Award, our goal is to elevate and celebrate those in our sector who are in the middle of their own leadership journeys—people whose unique attributes make a significant difference in their organizations or local communities.

Leaders exist at all levels, so we invite you to think beyond your C-suite. The Leadership Award is designed for leaders at any level within a LeadingAge provider member organization, but preference will be given to nominees in non-CEO and non-C-suite roles. The award recognizes those who play a critical role in ensuring organizational mission success. Who has a positive attitude and mentorship abilities that attract and retain amazing staff and build strong and engaged teams? Who turns innovative ideas into ways to better the lives of the people they serve? Who exerts influence within your organization or at the community level?

Meaningful leadership skills are hard-won—they are developed and strengthened over time through constant growth as responsibilities increase. Last year’s Leadership Award winner, Kim Gaskell of RiverWoods, is known for her organizational skills, adaptability (amply demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic), collaborative style, and love for people—and outside her organization’s walls, her university partnership evangelizes among students for aging services career opportunities.

Every leader is unique, bringing their own abilities and approach to their work, and we want the Leadership Award to highlight the wide range of approaches in use by dedicated professionals among our membership.

Take the time to nominate a deserving leader. Nominations are due February 27, 2026, and the requirements may take some time to compile—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 2026 LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, on April 21. For more information on all three LeadingAge annual awards, visit our Awards & Honors page.