Technology is integral to aging services’ evolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital engagement platforms, and information technology (IT) systems support and improve quality care delivery in myriad ways. Within this fast-changing landscape, the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy can be a powerful incubator for technology-driven innovation. Through Action Learning Projects (ALPs), part of the Academy’s program for more than two decades, leaders translate ideas into meaningful, and often long-term, initiatives.
Academy Fellows in recent cohorts have focused on leveraging technology thoughtfully and responsibly—not as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for connection, independence, efficiency, and organizational growth. They’ve explored how emerging tools can enhance resident experience, strengthen operations, and support mission-driven care across the continuum of aging services.
A Foundation for Innovative Leadership
The Larry Minnix Leadership Academy, LeadingAge’s year-long, application-based leadership development program, emphasizes reflective leadership, relationship building, and experiential learning for approximately 50 selected Fellows a year, all staff at LeadingAge provider member organizations. Over the course of the program, Fellows engage with leadership theory, participate in a variety of exercises and discussions, visit member communities, and interact with leaders from across the field. Action Learning is embedded throughout this experience, giving Fellows space to test ideas, analyze challenges, and develop solutions grounded in real organizational needs.
The work of Action Learning begins by identifying a challenge or opportunity, then evolves through iteration, reflection, and strategic exploration. The Academy year serves as the launching point, but many projects continue well beyond the end of the program year.
Each year’s ALPs reflect the diversity of aging services. Fellows explore topics like aging in place, well-being, workforce development, affordable housing, dementia support, organizational culture—and increasingly, technology.
In 2025 Action Learning Projects for instance, many Fellows examined how digital tools, automation, and emerging platforms can enhance person-centered care and organizational effectiveness.
These projects show Fellows examining both potential and limitations—considering how technology can support autonomy, strengthen community, and reinforce human-centered care.
Recent technology-focused ALPs highlighted similar themes, with Fellows exploring community platforms, IT sustainability, robotics, and AI as tools to improve care and engagement.
As our field continues to embrace new technologies, the Leadership Academy’s ALP’s offer a structured approach for applying innovation with intention and purpose. Join us! The 2027 Larry Minnix Leadership Academy application will open for LeadingAge members in May 2026. Apply for yourself and/or share this article with emerging leaders in your organization. Sign up to be notified when the 2027 application is open!
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