2026 Awards Ceremony
SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND SERVICE
Wednesday, February 11
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Boathouse at Mercer Lake – West Windsor, NJ
Registration for this event is closed.
Through outstanding leadership, personal commitment, and innovation in services, housing, and program delivery, LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware members are leading the way in providing outstanding care and services to older adults in our states.
The LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware Awards Ceremony is a great opportunity to recognize all the ways that our members are making a difference in the lives of residents, colleagues, and their local community. Check out recent award recipients.
Interested in partnering with us on this event?
This is a unique opportunity to showcase your support for the incredible individuals and organizations making a difference in the lives of older adults. By sponsoring this event, your organization will gain valuable visibility among our members and industry leaders while aligning with our mission to recognize outstanding service and innovation in senior care. Check out sponsorship opportunities here.
2026 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 services.
Keith Grady, Executive Director
Applewood Village, A Premier FellowshipLIFE Community
Excellence in Care
This award recognizes individuals from LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware member communities who demonstrate extraordinary talent, expertise, and dedication in provision of exceptional service to residents.
Caitlin Clark, Director or Recreation
Daughters of Israel
Tiffany Wiles, CNA
Lions Gate
Elsa Abay, Nursing Aide
Country House, Acts Retirement-Life Communities
Norma Tate, CNA Lead
Christian Health, Heritage Manor
Renee Vealey, Supervisor of Housekeeping
Knoll Communities
Cristina & Lonnie, Volunteers
Preakness Healthcare Center
Tricia Robinson, Director of Social Services
Lutheran Senior Services of Dover, Inc.
Excellence in Professional Advancement
This award 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.
Deysi Villa, Assistant Director of Nursing
The Jewish Home Family
Kristen Michalowski, Director of Activities, Assisted Living
Reformed Church Home
Keegan Mattson, Director of Culinary Services
FellowshipLIFE, Friends Village
Excellence in Community Service
This award recognizes member achievements that contribute to their communities by providing outstanding services, programs, and opportunities for engagement.
Lisbeth Roque, Social Services Coordinator
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey
Michele Musto, Volunteer Coordinator/External Marketing
United Methodist Communities, The Shores
Excellence in Leadership
This award 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.
Elizabeth Davis, Executive Director
The Bright Side Family
Excellence in Innovation
This award recognizes innovative best practice programs or services that promote and enhance quality of life for senior residents, staff, and/or the surrounding community.
Springpoint University (SU)
Springpoint
The Parker Social Club
Program Leads:
Paul Vlecides, Administrator, Home & Community Services
Robyn Barnes, Senior Director, Adult Day Health Services
