2025 Annual Awards Program

THROUGH LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND SERVICE

The LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware 2025 Awards Program, will be held on Wednesday, February 12th at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, located in West Windsor

Photos from our 2024 Ceremony are available here. 

Join Us In Congratulating the 2024 Excellence in Aging Services Award Recipients

President’s Award

The President’s Award is our most prestigious honor.  This highly coveted award recognizes a distinguished career of service and achievement in the field of aging and is only bestowed periodically.

Martin Klein, MA, LNHA, CALA, President & CEO, Seashore Gardens Living Center

Excellence in Care

This award category recognizes individuals from LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware member communities who demonstrate extraordinary talent, expertise, and dedication in provision of exceptional service to residents.

• Dawn Richardson, Senior Property Manager, Fair Share Support Services North Gate II
• Doris Gilmore, CNA, Manor House – Acts Retirement Life Communities
• Shannon Mulhern and Christine Pearce, Recreation Therapists, Preakness Healthcare Center
• Waleska Soud, Licensed Practical Nurse, Country House, Acts Retirement Life Communities

Excellence in Community Service

This category recognizes member achievements that contribute to neighboring communities by providing outstanding services, programs, and opportunities for engagement.

• JoAnne Goosby, Social Services Coordinator, United Methodist Communities at PineRidge
• Laura Koblitz, Resident Director, Siena Village of Wayne & Summer Hill of Wayne, Christian Health
• Taylor Amato, Speech Language Pathologist, Parker Health Group

Excellence in Professional Advancement

This category celebrates individuals who have assumed progressive leadership responsibilities within a LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware member organization, and have worked to build a shared vision, develop robust relationships, and enhance organizational capacity.

• Adam Meister, Manager of Materials Management and Contract Services, Christian Health
• Amanda Naumann, Social Worker, Friends Village, a Fellowship Life Premier Community
• Melissa Wagner, Director of Dining Services, Harrogate

Excellence in Innovation

This category recognizes innovative best practice programs or services that promote and enhance quality of life for senior residents, staff, and/or the surrounding community.

• LEAD Collaborative, The Jewish Home Family

Excellence in Leadership

This category recognizes people from member organizations who have exhibited an exemplary career of outstanding service in the field of aging services, and who have enhanced the concept of professionalism by virtue of their leadership.

• Dawn Giakas, Administrator, N.J. Eastern Star Home
• Dominique Phillips, Housing Administrator, United Methodist Communities at PineRidge
• Lisa Panco, Director of Resident Life, Pines Village, a Fellowship Life Premier Community
• Robert Reyes, Administrator, Peace Care St Ann’s