Congratulations to the 2012 LeadingAge honorees

Long-term care is an ever-evolving field requiring creativity, vision, innovation and inspiration to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow. While caring for today’s seniors, long-term care leaders are also preparing to serve the aging Baby Boomer generation. Congratulations to the LeadingAge 2012 annual award winners.

AWARD OF HONOR

Stephen L. McAlilly, President/CEO

Methodist Senior Services

Tupelo, Miss.

Since 1994, Stephen McAlilly has been the driving force of Methodist Senior Services. In addition to adding a number of new communities to the organization and rebuilding one that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, he adopted the Green House philosophy and built the first Green Houses in the nation.

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD

Luanne B. Fisher, President/CEO

Liberty Lutheran Services

Ambler, Pa.

In 2001, Luanne Fisher was a driving force in the merger of three Lutheran organization, forming Liberty Lutheran Services. Her vision for Lutheran Services is linked to her “World Class Objectives,” which are allied to quality of service, financial solvency, innovation and faith-based leadership.

EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE AWARD

Tabitha Healthcare Services

Lincoln, Neb.

Committed to creating a great workplace environment, Tabitha Healthcare Services’ “LIVE to Succeed” culture and programming objectives help employees love their jobs, invite optimism, vision success and embrace the organization’s mission. Employee and client satisfaction rates prove that LIVE is a success.

INNOVATION IN CARE AND SERVICES AWARD

Bethany Health Care Center

Framingham, Mass.

Based on a “treat in place” care modality, the Bethany Model of Care Program incorporates a “consistency in care” service delivery. With a less than one percent hospital readmission rate, Bethany was named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 Honor Roll of the Best Nursing Homes list.

HOBART JACKSON CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD

La Posada at Park Centre

Green Valley, Ariz.

La Posada works with its Spanish-speaking employees to learn English, pursue citizenship and achieve their educational goals. Scholarship funds are not limited to employment goals, but are available for employees to reach personal goals as well. Employment applications and information are provided in Spanish and translators are available for employee forums.

DR. HERBERT SHORE OUTSTANDING MENTOR AWARD

Ramona Davies, Director NCPHS Community Services

Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services

San Francisco, Calif.

Ramona Davies has an incredible influence on her staff. She challenges and advocates for them, as she encourages them to look at the big picture, ask questions and go the extra mile. Her mentorship is inspirational as well as practical in teaching employees to adhere to professional ethics and organizational values. Those she mentors appreciate her guidance, inspiration and leadership.

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AND EDUCATION AWARD

Margaret Blenkner Research Institute

Benjamin Rose Institute

Cleveland, Ohio

The Margaret Blenkner Research Institute (MBRI) conducts applied research to improve the lives of the frail elderly as well as the organizations and employee that care for them. MBRI’s research findings are also directed at the challenges faced by long-term care facilities such as direct-care worker shortages and staff turnover.

MBRI trains and educates students from Case-Western Reserve University, the University of Akron, Youngstown State University as well as students from other universities across the United States and from around world.

PUBLIC TRUST AWARD

Joel Wrobbel, Director of Marketing

Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services

Columbus, Ohio

Every Saturday morning, Westminster-Thurber Community’s Director of Marketing Joel Wrobbel hosts “Journey Through Aging,” an Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services’ (OPRS) radio program that airs on various stations throughout Ohio. The show not only educates consumers, it debunks myths about aging and highlights the wisdom of OPRS residents. In addition to hosting duties, Wrobbel writes, produces and books the show’s guests.

OUTSTANDING ADVOCACY AWARD

Kris Hansen

Western Home Communities

Cedar Falls, Iowa

For many years, Kris Hansen has been a strong, effective advocate on the issues that impact members of LeadingAge. Developing relationships with representatives and presenting persuasive arguments on issues, has made him a successful advocate.

JOAN ANN McHUGH AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP IN LONG-TERM CARE NURSING

John Gilligan

It’s been quite a journey for John Gilligan. Twenty years ago, Gilligan left the automotive industry to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). While attending LPN school, he also worked as a certified nurse assistant at Southampton Estates, an ACTS community. After achieving his LPN, Gilligan continued his education to become a registered nurse. In 1995, ACTS sought his assistance in developing a dementia unit. Today, Gilligan is the Clinical Manager of the Southampton Estates dementia unit.

Long-Term Living salutes the 2012 LeadingAge award winners and all the incredible people in the senior care and services field.


Topics: Advocacy , Alzheimer's/Dementia , Leadership , Staffing