Tuesday, June 3 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

With the dynamic environment of the past few years, aging services organizations are questioning the right way to move forward strategically, with concerns about how to have an actionable, yet flexible, strategic framework to guide them. Developing strategy takes more than setting a vision and more than developing a set of initiatives. It requires the alignment of various stakeholder perspectives, starting with leadership and the board, to ensure the strategy drives meaningful change and is supported. This session will explore how organizations are approaching strategy and the development of strategic frameworks that not only reflect an organization’s goals but is also realistic, adaptable, and actionable. Attendees will learn about the importance of gathering and using relevant data to inform decision-making and prevent strategic plans from becoming generic or disconnected from real organizational challenges. By analyzing real-world case studies and industry trends, participants will assess what makes a plan effective and discuss common pitfalls that cause plans to stall or fail. Whether refining an existing plan or starting from scratch, this session will provide C-suite and senior leaders with practical tools and frameworks to make strategic planning a dynamic and effective process that drives real results.

Speakers: Diane Burfeindt, Tommy Brewer, Anita Adkins & John Burns

Tuesday, June 3 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the need for well-prepared and capable administrators is more critical than ever. This session will explore the essential role of developing future Administrators-in-Training (AITs) as a key strategy for ensuring leadership continuity, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. Participants will examine the long-term benefits of investing in structured AIT training programs, identifying proven strategies to attract, mentor, and retain top administrative talent. The session will also take a candid look at the consequences of inadequate AIT preparation, addressing how gaps in training can lead to leadership instability, compliance challenges, and decreased quality of care. A key focus will be on fostering a culture of collective responsibility, ensuring that every department and team member plays a role in shaping a well-rounded, hands-on training experience for future administrators. Best practices for integrating AITs into real-world decision-making, leadership discussions, and daily operations will be highlighted to create a sustainable leadership pipeline for long-term care organizations. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to strengthen AIT development through a unified organizational effort, ensuring that the next generation of administrators is prepared to lead with confidence, competence, and a commitment to excellence.

Speakers: Heather Parrott & Laci Ann Parrott

Tuesday, June 3 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

The behavioral health landscape, particularly concerning both mental health and substance use, is rapidly evolving, with a growing focus on aging populations and caregivers. This session will explore the unique challenges and trends as both residents in our member communities, their families, and the teams providing care are affected. While a significant challenge, it also gives us the opportunity for a dual impact on both employees and the residents they serve. During this highly interactive workshop, we will discuss the gaps in current treatment approaches for older populations and highlight barriers to accessing care and support. You will learn strategies to create a supportive environment that reduces stigma, promotes recovery, and enhances quality of life for adults affected by behavioral health and substance abuse challenges.

Speakers: Hamilton Baiden, Bridget Kelly

Tuesday, June 3 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Are you looking to take your leadership journey to the next level? This interactive session is designed to help you harness the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship—essential tools for both personal and professional growth. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, or amplify your impact, this session will provide you with the practical strategies and insights you need. Through discussions, role-playing, case studies, and actionable planning, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship intersect, and how they can drive real change in your career. You’ll leave equipped with the tools to not only support others but also cultivate your own growth. .

Speakers: Winoka Clements, Theresa Thomas, Judy Raymond, Courtney Nuzzo, Rose Risley, Charmaine Preiss, Stephanie Stevens and Tonya Malloy

Tuesday, June 3 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
As senior living executives face increased pressures related to resident expectations, staffing challenges, and the need for operational efficiency, looking at successful innovations from other industries can provide new ideas to jumpstart innovation strategies. This session will provide case studies from other industries, including manufacturing and retail, that have successfully adopted and embraced automation and data analytics strategies to increase productivity, improve engagement, and create curated experiences. The presenters will share real-world examples of how companies in these industries overcame similar challenges to those faced in senior living, and how they met those challenges with innovation to satisfy evolving demands. The session will also share how companies in other industries failed to innovate and what it cost them in the end. Leaders in the senior living industry can benefit from adopting a broader and more innovative mindset. The most impactful way to develop an innovative, digital-first mindset is to learn about proven strategies that have transformed other industries to reimagine their own service models. By thinking outside the senior living box, provider executives can take the necessary steps to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape and position their organizations for long-term success.
Speakers: Adam Arker, Lisa Hawthorne

Tuesday, June 3 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
In this session, you'll explore how creating a dedicated “Wellness & Enrichment” division can transform your community and enhance the lives of the residents you serve. Through the example of VMRC, you’ll see how consolidating wellness, arts, chaplaincy, and enrichment services into one intentional structure fosters innovation and strengthens partnerships. You’ll gain valuable insights into key roles that can drive this approach, and how it can lead to growth, collaboration, and a greater sense of community. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to innovate within your own organization and better serve your residents.
Speakers: Melinda Noland

Tuesday, June 3 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
In this session, you’ll learn how to revolutionize your senior living finance team by shifting from outdated manual processes to efficient automation. Now is the critical time to adopt accounts payable (AP) automation, and we’ll provide you with a step-by-step roadmap for evaluating your current operations and identifying areas for improvement. You’ll see firsthand how AP automation boosts accuracy, strengthens security, and scales your workflows. Don’t miss the chance to future-proof your department, increase efficiency, and free up your team to focus on high-impact, strategic tasks that drive growth and success.
Speakers: Cody Emmert

Tuesday, June 3 | 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
In this session, we’ll explore ideas, strategies, and initiatives that can help communities build stronger connections within their broader surroundings. Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury will highlight how they collaborate with local, and sometimes unexpected, organizations to enhance teamwork and promote stewardship in the surrounding area. We all aspire to live in thriving, compassionate communities—so how can organizations contribute to the success and growth of others?
Speakers: Jeannie Shiley, Sherry Hudson

Tuesday, June 3 | 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Planned giving is a vital tool for ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of senior living communities. This session will provide senior living professionals with a clear understanding of the various types of planned gifts, their benefits for both donors and organizations, and strategies for engaging residents and board members in meaningful legacy giving. Attendees will learn how to effectively communicate the impact of planned giving and build strong donor relationships that support their community’s mission for generations to come. Join us to explore best practices and real-world success stories that can help strengthen your organization’s philanthropic efforts.
Speakers: Dan Stackhouse, Zach Heeter, Ashley Allman

Tuesday, June 3 | 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Financial challenges, staffing shortages, and regulatory pressures are making it harder for senior living communities to maintain high-quality care. This session is designed for aging service provider leaders like you who want to stabilize operations while continuing to provide exceptional care. You’ll learn how to adjust governance, workflows, and environments to ensure long-term success without sacrificing care quality. Two LeadingAge Virginia member provider leaders, along with operational, financial, and planning advisors—will share proven strategies to improve efficiency, rethink staffing models, and combat burnout. You'll also hear about effective approaches to retaining experienced staff and attracting new talent to the sector. This session will equip you with the insights needed to strengthen your high-care service lines and ensure their future sustainability.
Speakers: Rodney Alderfer, Dana Wollschlager, Kera Wooten, Margaret Yu

Tuesday, June 3 | 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
There are many developments happening within the senior living industry that are affecting the day-to-day operations and long-term strategies of organizations. With staffing shortages, slowly increasing census numbers, industry consolidations, and changing regulations, there are a number of considerations for executives to think about that will impact the direction of their organization. Add in the most recent changes to reimbursement rules on the national level, and organizational leaders have even more to evaluate that will impact their organization’s financial performance.
Speakers: Ed Klik, Kris Pattison, Rick Snyder

Tuesday, June 3 | 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Just because someone is older doesn't mean they lack agility. Having dementia doesn't mean a person won't leave the building with purpose. A lovely community doesn't guarantee tenants are calm, happy, and comfortable. A secure living situation may not prevent elopement, wandering, or pacing. Even a beautiful environment might not keep someone satisfied, and planned activities may not be suitable or interesting for all individuals. When we think of elopement, it's often associated with dementia. However, elopement is a risk for others too. It's crucial to regularly identify those at risk and understand that elopement behaviors will change over time. Staff should be trained effectively in preventing elopement and responding quickly if someone goes missing.
Speakers: Kari K. Brizendine

Tuesday, June 3 | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
As the aging services sector evolves, how can you maintain trust with your residents, families, staff, and partners during times of change? This interactive session will explore how Pinnacle Living, a Virginia-based organization, is navigating significant transitions, including the 2024 acquisition of two new communities. Learn how Pinnacle Living is turning challenges into opportunities through effective communication, media relations, and community engagement.
Speakers: Laura Jones, Michael Gross

Tuesday, June 3 | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Successful philanthropy is both an art and a science—blending relationships and mission-driven passion with the strategic details that drive real impact. Without a clear plan, fundraising efforts can become overwhelming, slowing the advancement of your mission. Join us to explore the purpose and key elements of strategic philanthropy and hear firsthand from an organization that has put a plan into action and is seeing real results.
Speakers: Amy Strite, Gayle Haglund

Tuesday, June 3 | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
What if you could step into the world of someone living with dementia and experience their reality firsthand? This session combines the transformative impact of Medicare’s GUIDE Program with the power of embodied virtual reality training, offering an immersive look into the future of dementia care. Attendees will not only learn how GUIDE enhances care coordination, caregiver support, and financial sustainability but also have the unique opportunity to experience dementia through virtual reality headsets. By embodying the perspective of those they care for, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and physical challenges residents face. The session will explore real-world applications of these innovations, from caregiver training to improved patient outcomes, and how emerging trends in spatial computing and AI are shaping the future of compassionate, high-quality dementia care.
Speakers: Carrie Shaw, Alyssa Hall, Tara Beatty

Tuesday, June 3 | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Celebrate the achievements of the 2025 Leadership Academy Fellows and their Action Learning Projects.