F4: Representation, Allyship & Workforce Resilience: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Aging Services
Thursday, June 18 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Target Audience: Affordable Senior Housing, Service Coordinators, Assisted Living/Personal Care, Governance & Leadership, Home Care + HCBS, Operations, HR / Workforce
The aging services sector continues to face significant workforce challenges, including recruitment shortages, retention concerns, and a lack of leadership pathways that reflect the diversity of the frontline workforce. This session explores how intentional representation and meaningful allyship can strengthen organizational culture, elevate rising leaders of color, and build a more resilient workforce. Drawing on insights from the Leaders of Color Program and real experiences within the Aging Services Sector, presenters will share practical strategies that organizations can implement immediately. Participants will gain tools to identify emerging leaders, support equitable advancement, improve engagement and retention, and cultivate internal leadership pipelines that mirror the communities they serve. This session positions representation and allyship not as DEI initiatives, but as strategic workforce solutions essential for long-term sustainability.
NAB/NCERS
Speaker Information
President & CEO, Applewood Village
Keith Grady, LNHA, is an innovative and dedicated professional in the field of aging and long-term care with over 35 years of management, operational, and development experience in continuing care communities. Responsible for the administration of the day-to-day operations and the development of Applewood’s future strategy, Keith is a visionary with a focus on quality care, effective leadership, and cultivating environments of trust and mutual respect.
Managing Director, Human Resources Acts Retirement Life Communities
ERICA RICHARDSON – serves as the Managing Director of Human Resources for Acts Retirement-Life Communities. She previously held the role of the Corporate Director of HR since 2019 until her recent promotion in March 2024. Prior to that, Erica was Regional HR Director for Acts Mid-Atlantic Region from 2013 until 2019. Erica has over 20 years of experience in the Human Resources field with a focus in Healthcare/Aging Services. She earned her Professional in Human Resources Certification (PHR) in 2011. With the assistance of the Acts Tuition Reimbursement Program, Erica earned her Bachelors’ (2014) and Masters’ (2016) Degree from Wilmington University. In 2022, Erica was selected and completed the Leading Age Larry Minnix Leadership Academy which was a year-long program designed to develop aging services leaders nationwide. She is now recognized as a 2022 Leading Age Academy Fellow & Alumni. Erica also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Leading Age Leaders of Color (LoC) Network and Chairs the LoC Network for Leading Age NJDE. This network continues the work of supporting and facilitating career advancement for diverse leaders in the field of aging services.
