Looking Back Yet Always Forward

Recently I told a colleague that in my career two of the main driving forces for success have been an openness to possibilities, and persistent gratitude for all the positives around me. As I transition from my role as president and CEO of LeadingAge PA back to the provider side, both forces are not only present for me, but for our team at the Association.

In the past few years, the focus at LeadingAge PA has been exactly where it should be—on members. As a component part of that focus, we’ve been diligent about asking and actively listening to what members need, want, and value. The result is that we’ve changed in so many ways. Our staff structure shifted to commit more resources to active member engagement, and add staff dedicated to the workforce crisis and data analytics. We started new programs like Affinity Groups and the Higher Education Partnership Program, while taking a hard look at how to effectively refresh others like Fellows in Leadership. We beefed up scholarship offerings and have been proud to award more than $100,000 per year in support of team members pursuing professional and educational advancement. We also partnered with Kairos Health Systems to strengthen the Association while working to enhance supports in managed care and consultation for members.

All of this, and more. And still so much momentum on which to capitalize.

The LeadingAge PA team is strong and won’t miss a beat under Bob Bertolette’s interim leadership. They’ll keep seeking out new opportunities to serve members better, to advocate with an increasingly strong voice in Harrisburg, and to ensure that members have the education and resources needed to continue to lead the senior services field – not just in the state, but in the nation. I’m confident they will build on recent successes and forge countless new ones, always guided by the truth that the Association exists for our members.

The successes we’ve found during my tenure at the Association are the product of remarkable people, and those people will continue to ensure that progress keeps pace. The LeadingAge PA board is a collaborative, thoughtful, engaged group of leaders unwilling to accept anything less than the best for members, and I can’t adequately express my thanks for their support and vision.

The LeadingAge PA staff are dynamic, smart, and passionate about our mission, and every ounce of praise should be directed to them for their dedication, commitment, and great work. And, of course, the members of this Association are the inspiration for everything. There is no better field than aging services, and our members pour their hearts and souls into each day and decision in ways that bring such incredible meaning to the work we do to support them.

Thank you to every person who has supported me in this journey, but more importantly thank you to each of you who shares my passion for ensuring the best for older adults. I leave knowing that our Association is stronger than ever, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

I sincerely hope that our paths continue to cross in service to older adults.