LeadingAge Washington

01/28/2026

This week is National Activity Professionals Week — “Beyond the Ordinary.”

Activity Professionals bring creativity, connection, and heart into residents’ lives every day. You go beyond the ordinary to create moments that matter and help make communities feel like home.

Thank you for all you do!

Learn more about this week and its theme:

As an Activity Professional, you are part of a truly vital profession—one that brings joy, purpose, and meaning to the lives of those you serve. Through a holistic, person-centered approach, you create experiences that honor individuality and enrich daily living.

11/21/2025

📣 Calling All Change Makers!

There’s still time to submit your proposal for the LeadingAge Washington 2026 Annual Conference, happening June 1–3 in Wenatchee.

Our theme this year is Change Makers—and we’re looking for sessions that highlight fresh ideas, creative problem-solving, and real progress in aging services. If your team is doing something innovative or impactful, we’d love to hear from you.

Topics we’re interested in include:
• Technology & innovation
• Workforce and leadership
• Operations & strategy
• Resident experience
• Finance & governance

Why present?
✔ Share what’s working in your organization
✔ Inspire and engage other providers
✔ Connect with peers from across Washington

🗓 Proposals are due December 1.

If you have insight or experience that could help move our field forward, we’d love to see your submission.
👉 Submit your proposal today: https://www.leadingagewa.org/2026-annual-conference-call-for-proposals/

10/30/2025

We’re heading to Wenatchee next June for the LeadingAge Washington 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, and we’re looking for Change Makers to lead the conversation. 🌿

If you have a story, project, or idea that’s helping move aging services forward—this is your moment to share it. Whether it’s about innovation, leadership, operations, or community building, we’d love to hear from you.

🗓 Proposal Deadline: December 1, 2025
📍 Conference Dates: June 1–3, 2026 | Wenatchee Convention Center

Help shape this year’s “Change Makers” program and inspire others across Washington’s aging services community.

Submit your proposal here → https://www.leadingagewa.org/2026-annual-conference-call-for-proposals/

10/14/2025

Today at the LeadingAge Washington Fall Conference, we had the joy of announcing the 2026 Leadership Institute Fellows!

Twenty-seven emerging leaders from across our member communities received their first Leadership Institute book this week — a symbol of the journey ahead and the ripple of impact they will create across our field.

Now entering its 16th year, the Leadership Institute continues to foster connection, purpose, and growth among professionals committed to the future of aging services.

We’re thrilled to welcome this new class and look forward to gathering for our first summit in November at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard.

Here’s to another inspiring year of leadership, learning, and community in action!

10/07/2025

⏰ It’s almost here—just one week to go!

The Fall Conference is your chance to come together with colleagues from across Washington for a day of connection, ideas, and support.

✨ What to expect:
🔹 Sales Exchange: Pull up a chair with peers and hear how they’re tackling challenges—from AI in sales to aligning marketing efforts.
🔹 HR Spotlight: Neal Martino will share insights on HR leadership while inviting conversation about what works in your own community.

This isn’t just about learning—it’s about seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, and leaving re-energized by the people who share your passion for aging services.

👉 Don’t miss it—register today to reconnect with colleagues on October 14! https://www.leadingagewa.org/news-events/calendar/?ill_calendar_event_id=21804

10/04/2025

Two weeks ago, the Assisted Living ELEVATE Training group completed their program—and we couldn’t be more proud of this amazing cohort! 🌟

We’d like to give a big thank you to Cascade Senior Living Services for generously hosting and feeding our group throughout the training. A special shout-out to Jen Drake and Chad Solvie for their leadership and support!

This program is all about growing strong leaders in aging services, and it’s wonderful to see this group head back to their organizations equipped with new tools and fresh perspectives. 💙

👉 Want to know more about the ELEVATE program? Visit: https://www.leadingagewa.org/elevate/

10/02/2025

⏰ Just two weeks away!

The LeadingAge Washington 2025 Fall Conference is happening October 14th at the SEA Conference Center—and you don’t want to miss it.

This one-day gathering is all about connection, fresh ideas, and practical strategies you can bring back to your organization.

✨ Here’s what’s in store:
• A welcome message from Katie Smith Sloan, LeadingAge President & CEO
• A keynote from Nicole Howell on courage and change in our field
• Breakout sessions across three tracks: Executive Strategy & Advocacy, Sales & Marketing, and Human Resources
• A networking luncheon honoring scholarship recipients + announcing the 2026 Leadership Institute Fellows

👉 https://www.leadingagewa.org/news-events/calendar/?ill_calendar_event_id=21804

08/07/2025

⏳ One Week Left to Apply!

Leadership Institute 2026 Cohort

Are you a LeadingAge Washington member ready to take your leadership to the next level?

Our Leadership Institute is a transformative, values-driven experience designed to support confident, capable, and connected leaders across all roles in aging services.

Applications for the 2026 cohort close August 15th—don’t wait!

✨ Grow your leadership. Build lifelong connections. Lead with purpose.

📩 Apply today and take the next step in your journey: https://www.leadingagewa.org/news-events/l-i/

06/23/2025

🎉 Day 1 of the LeadingAge Washington Annual Conference! 🎉

We kicked things off with a warm welcome at our registration desk — huge thanks to our incredible volunteers for making check-in smooth and friendly for all attendees!

The day continued with our Buddy Program Meetup, where first-time attendees connected with experienced members and got a feel for the supportive, collaborative spirit that defines our community. 🤝

Here’s to a powerful start filled with connection, purpose, and momentum! 💼✨

01/17/2025

We are thrilled to celebrate our members who have been recognized in Newsweek's "America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2025"! 🎉🏡

Your dedication to providing exceptional care and creating vibrant communities for seniors inspires us all. Congratulations to:

The Hearthstone Green Lake
Bayview Retirement Community
Franke Tobey Jones
Horizon House
Emerald Heights
Panorama
Mirabella Seattle
Heron's Key

We commend their commitment to fostering vibrant, supportive environments for older adults and are honored to have them as part of the LeadingAge Washington community.

Read more about the recognition here:

For the second consecutive year, Newsweek and global data research firm Statista have partnered to rank America's Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities in 2025.

10/16/2024

Over the past 15 years, the LeadingAge Washington Leadership Institute has provided professional and personal development training to 248 individuals, advancing its mission to cultivate leaders who serve their organizations, state affiliates, and the field of aging services with excellence and innovation.

This program enhances the leadership potential and essential skills of aging services professionals by harnessing their inner strengths and natural abilities—regardless of experience, job title, or role within their organization.

🗓️ Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open and due by November 15th, 2024.

📎 Visit the Leadership Institute page to learn more and take the next step in your leadership journey: https://www.leadingagewa.org/news-events/leadership-institute/