2024 Annual Awards Program

SHAPING THE FUTURE …

THROUGH LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND SERVICE

The LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware 2024 Awards Program, to be held on Wednesday, February 7th at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, located in West Windsor, will recognize aging services heroes who are making a difference in the lives of elders and their local communities.

Each year, members nominate award recipients with distinguished and dedicated professionals from across the aging services continuum, serving elders in nursing homes, assisted living residences, homecare and independent senior affordable housing communities.

Please review the below descriptions. Nomination guidelines can be found here, and you may submit a nomination here.

Snow Date: February 13, 2024

View the 2023 photo album here!

Category descriptions and our 2023 winners are listed below

President’s Award

Cindy Shemansky & MVB Team

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.

Assistant Executive Director & Administrator, Masonic Village at Burlington

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.

2023 Recipients

• Darlene Datil, Lead Social Worker, Fair Share Support Services
• Elzbieta (Ella) Zala, LPN, N.J. Eastern Star Home
• Etan Hindin, Director of Spiritual Care, Daughters of Israel
• Euis Diah Sugirin, Assistant Director of Nursing, Parker Health

Excellence in Community Service

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

2023 Recipients

• Asia Saxton, Supportive Service Coordinator, UMC at Bishop Taylor
• Beth Gebhart, Director of Community Relations & Volunteers, Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ
• Martha Soto, Store Manager, Westfield Senior Citizens Housing

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.

2023 Recipients

• Keenan Masterson, Food & Beverage Director, Harrogate
• Suzanne Ransehousen, Nurse Practitioner, Cokesbury Village, an Acts Retirement-Life Community
• Tatina Carr, Director of Nursing, Lions Gate CCRC

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.

2023 Recipients

• Recruitment and Retention Task Force, United Methodist Communities

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.

2023 Recipients

• Jeanette Edghill, Corporate Manager of Housing, United Methodist Communities
• Lauren Levant, Vice President of Human Resources, The Jewish Home Family & The Jewish Home at Rockleigh
• Mary Mariconda, Director, Hillcrest & Evergreen Court, Christian Health
• Rich Mercado, Senior Director of Culinary & Catering Services, Fellowship Senior Living