Voices in Leadership | LeadingAge Virginia

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with Christy Zeitz, CEO of Fellowship Square, and Marta Hill Gray, President of Culpepper Garden, to explore the urgent need for affordable housing for older adults. Together, they dive into the growing housing crisis, the critical importance of preserving existing communities, and the role of both government and private funding in supporting sustainable solutions. Christy and Marta also share how their organizations go beyond housing to provide essential supportive services that help residents thrive. The episode highlights not only the professional challenges of serving an aging population, but also the deep personal fulfillment that comes with the work.Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, talks with Amy Strite, President and CEO of The Span Center. Amy shares insights into the Span Center's mission to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers across several Virginia communities. With a reach of over 111,000 lives each year, the organization offers a vital network of services that improve quality of life. Amy reflects on her professional journey, her deep commitment to advocacy, and her leadership approach. The discussion also explores key issues in aging services, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, effective leadership, and the evolving future of care for older adults.Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, president and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with professional photographer Heidi Wagner to explore the power of storytelling through photography. Wagner shares how her Passions Project showcases older adults engaged in what they love, challenging ageism and fostering connections. She reflects on photographing diverse communities, from LGBTQ+ elders to public school students, and her ongoing mission to highlight purpose and identity at every stage of life. Tune in to hear how art can be a catalyst for change and inclusion.Voice in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, Jenny Inker, MBA, MS, PhD, LALFA, and Jennifer Yanez Pryor, MA, MS, LALFA, from Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Gerontology, explore the evolving landscape of assisted living. They discuss pressing challenges such as workforce burnout, recruitment struggles, and the need for a person-centered approach to care. The conversation also highlights innovative care models and key projects, including their upcoming book on assisted living administration and an online Residential Care/Assisted Living (RCAL) exam prep course.Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, Bethanie Constant, vice president of Mission Advancement at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, about her journey into gerontology, her current research, and her efforts to combat ageism and ableism. Bethanie discusses her background in fundraising and communications, her passion for supporting older adults, and the power of language in shaping perceptions about age and ability. She highlights her research using Virginia Commonwealth University's ageism toolkit to assess and combat biases within her organization, as well as initiatives to reduce isolation and promote inclusivity. Bethanie also reflects on the importance of leadership support in driving change and how her findings will shape future strategies.Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Gigi Amateau, MS, PhD, and Morgan Alexander, LMSW, MSG, explore how fostering a culture of safety and belonging within organizations can enhance job satisfaction and employee retention. Gigi, an assistant professor and Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care Lab Director for the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Gerontology and Virginia Center on Aging, explains the principles of trauma-informed care, emphasizing the need to understand individuals' life histories to create safe spaces and prevent re-traumatization. Morgan, with her expertise in social work and care management, sheds light on person-centered care and the impact of power dynamics in caregiving relationships. Together, they discuss the importance of listening deeply, honoring older adults' experiences, and cultivating care environments where everyone feels valued and respected.Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In our Season 3 premiere, Dr. Kristine Theurer, president of JAVA Group Programs, shares how her personal journey of grief inspired her to develop the first standardized peer support interventions for senior living communities. These programs, now implemented in over 2,000 communities, use structured themes and guidelines to create meaningful connections, significantly reducing loneliness and depression among participants. Dr. Theurer highlights research demonstrating increased happiness and decreased health risks for those involved and shares her vision for expanding peer support globally to combat loneliness—not just in senior living but also in schools and caregiver support networks.

In this episode, we hear how three leaders from The Chesapeake are impacting their staff retention efforts, focusing on professional development and why their individual Leadership Academy experiences were so special to each of them. You'll walk away from this episode either wanting to apply for a job, move in or, at the very least, visit their boutique!

In the latest episode, Melissa interviews two Master's students, Nahshon Carr and Claire Ruble, about their perspectives on ageism, aging and aging services. This episode will not only help you be a better leader but will inspire others to look at this field as a career choice. The theme – “Aging is Beautiful” – enjoy 35 minutes of inspiration!

On this episode of Voices in Leadership, Melissa Andrews is joined by Sonali Shetty, Founder, Kova Digital and Susan Rucker, Managing Partner, LeadSpark Consulting, LLC. Susan and Sonali have had incredible careers spanning accounting, IT, start-up, consulting, teaching and facilitating. They share with Melissa how organizations should position themselves for success and what soft skills we should cultivate early in our careers. You'll also learn why saying yes in the face of ambiguity can be important – just don't burn the cookies!

Sometimes, especially in the field of aging services, professional and personal lines blur – and it's all for the greater good. In this episode, Melissa spends time with Sharon Sullivan, Vice President and Head of Conferences and Brand Experience for LeadingAge national, and Mary Kemper, President & CEO of UMA, with whom she has been friends and colleagues for decades. They share the best career advice they've ever received, the types of work culture they thrive in, and the importance of finding your village to make life work.

Wanting to interview them from the start of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews is finally joined by two powerhouse workforce experts from our field! Brandy Day, Chief Talent Officer at Williamsburg Landing, and Winoka Clements, Senior Director of Human Resources at Vinson Hall Retirement Community, discuss recruitment, retention, DEIB, and the heart they have for what they do. Also, the importance of yoga, wine, and dogs for a fulfilled life.You will walk away from this episode with strategies you can implement tomorrow to increase your employee retention and new target audiences for recruitment.

Heather Turbyne-Pollard is the CEO at Circle Center Adult Day in Richmond, VA. Melissa Andrews talks to Heather about her call to work in aging services, disrupting ageism, (here Heather's recent Disrupt HR RVA Ted Style talk) the need for more community based services for older adults and their caregivers and why advocating for adult day at the upcoming General Assembly is so important. And you won't want to miss Heather's stories about growing up in a large family – and we mean large!

On the latest episode of Voices in Leadership, Melissa Andrews speaks to Heather Harmon from Platinum Sponsor Henderson, Inc. about her role as a death doula. Heather's work with the Henderson team supports our members' growing campuses and the family culture at Henderson supports Heather's work in the community as she helps families navigate critical conversations about how their loved ones want to spend their last living days and hours.  There are lessons in this episode for all of us including, how to Live Like Chandler.

In the latest episode of Voices in Leadership, it's not just one Melissa, it's two! Host Melissa Andrews talks to Melissa Pritchard, Managing Principal from Platinum Sponsor SFCS, about how working in aging and architecture invites creativity, innovation, mission and purpose to Melissa's work. Work, we learn, Melissa was destined to do from a very young age. 

In our latest episode of Voices in Leadership, Melissa is joined by our most seasoned team member, Dana Parsons, Vice President & Legislative Counsel, and our newest team member, Tracey Lewis, Advocacy and Grants Coordinator, to discuss their passion for aging services and the importance of advocacy.

On this episode of Voices in Leadership, Christine Fares Walley and Katelyn McCauley from Holleran join Melissa to discuss the importance of personal and professional connection, full-circle moments and a shared passion for our work in aging services. 

In this episode, we get to hear from the culture champions of EveryAge – Lee Syria, President and CEO, and Aimee Reimann, Chief Operating Officer. Learn how they have cultivated incredibly strong leadership and why those leaders stay and gain a deeper knowledge of this incredibly innovative organization.

On this episode, Lynne Giacobbe, Chief Executive Officer of Kendal at Home, and Jeremy Neely, Senior Vice President of Community Operations at ACTS Retirement-Life Communities, Inc. discuss their shared passion for the field of aging services, mentoring, and leadership development. 

In this episode, Melissa interviews two friends and colleagues, DeAnn Akins, Founder and CEO of Octofly Dreams and Libby Bush, President & CEO of Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community. Melissa, DeAnn and Libby are all alums of the LeadingAge national Larry Minnix Leadership Academy and discuss imposter syndrome, transitions, and aligning personal and professional purpose and passion.

On this episode, Melissa is joined by Glen Berkel, Director of Hospitality with EveryAge and LeadingAge Virginia Board member and Todd Andrews, President of Community Living at Asbury Communities. Glen and Todd have been friends and colleagues for the better part of 2 decades and share a common philosophy of “paying it forward” especially when it comes to mentoring and professional development of their colleagues. Prior to joining the not for profit provider side of our field, they worked together at a larger international contracting company. Our conversation explores why they came to the provider side including their perspectives on work life balance. 

How much cross-collaboration exists in your organization? Learn from Dr. Karen Wigginton, Chief Marketing Officer, and Paula Greenhagen, Chief Human Resource Officer, with Sunnyside Communities about how they support their cross-departmental efforts, particularly around new team member recruitment. Thank goodness these two leaders chose our field because their impact stretches far  - as does their excitement for the future of aging services. 

This Voices in Leadership episode highlights two leaders from outside of Virginia. Kelly Papa, President & CEO of Duncaster Retirement Community in Bloomfield, CT and Diana Delgado, President & CEO of Eaton Senior Communities in Lakewood, CO share their perspectives on leadership and you don't to miss out on their wisdom. Learn how each of these leaders create a culture of shared values and participatory decision making as they create community for their residents, their team members, families and volunteers. 

Platinum Elite Sponsor, Paymerang's Colleen Crist and Lynette Rock  share their insights on the importance of cultivating resiliency as individuals and teams as well as the secret to having a good outlook at work every day. You won't want to miss this!

You can't always call your colleague a mentor or friend, but the relationship becomes something special every once in a while. In this episode, we learn all about the special relationship Judy Raymond, Executive Director of Lake Prince Woods ,and Kimberly Brathwaite, Assisted Living Administrator for Culpepper Garden, developed from the first time they met. And the importance of those relationships in both our professional and personal lives.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, hear from 2 emerging leaders in our field. Kelly Black, Student Intern with LeadingAge Virginia, and Laiya Rollins, Membership and Workforce Development Coordinator, share their insights on how we can better position aging services as a career choice, how to attract top candidates to your organization, and the importance of focusing on cultivating the next generation of leaders. If you need a dose of inspiration, this episode will deliver that and more!

In our latest episode, Courtney Nuzzo, Executive Director of The Lewinsville Retirement Community in McLean and LeadingAge Virginia Board member and Theresa Thomas, Associate Executive Director and Chair of Goodwin House's Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee, share their perspectives on the importance of diversity, equality, equity and inclusion in the work place. Their personal experiences and collegial relationship make for a fun conversation on serious topics.

In this episode, Michele Holleran, Founder and CEO of Holleran, and Nancy King, President of Senior Options, share their shared love of continuous personal development and learning, the importance of a kitchen cabinet and wolfpack, and how they have contributed to and participated in the evolution of aging services. Their enthusiasm for our mission and joyful friendship will inspire anyone who listens to this episode!

In this episode, Judith Trumbo, President & CEO of VMRC, and Laura Toni-Holsinger, Executive Director of the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, discuss the 5 f's (family, faith, fitness, fun, and friends), leading in challenging times, being women in leadership, and more!  Voices in Leadership is brought to you by LeadingAge Virginia, moderated by President & CEO, Melissa Andrews.

Andrea Staskiel, Executive Director of Warwick Forest is joined by her mentor Donna Highfill, Chief Change Warrior of Donna Highfill Consulting LLC as they talk about what inspired their relationship and career journey. Voices in Leadership is brought to you by LeadingAge Virginia, moderated by President & CEO, Melissa Andrews.