09/07/2023

Congratulations Award Winners!

LeadingAge Ohio is honored to have many notable members among our ranks, and it was our honor to recognize the following individuals this year during the Awards Luncheon at the Annual Conference.

Public Service Award - Representative Jay Edwards

The Public Service Award is bestowed as deserved to those legislators that emerge as leaders in the aging sector and show a commitment to taking on the issues most important to older adults and aging services providers in Ohio.

Representative Edwards is serving his fourth term as state representative for Ohio’s 94th district. Emerging as a legislative leader early in his career, Representative Edwards currently serves in the integral role as Chairman of the House Finance Committee. LeadingAge Ohio worked especially closely with Representative Edwards during this year’s budget cycle, where his advocacy and desire to address constituent issues served as a large reason why the House budget did not just maintain status quo, but rather sought to raise performance across public programs. 

Heart of Hospice, Rose & Sam Stein Award - Mary Dunne, Otterbein SeniorLife Ashanti Hospice

In honor of Rose and Sam Steins’ commitment “to help the people who help the people,” LeadingAge Ohio is proud to recognize a group or individual that has made a significant, innovative and extraordinary contribution to hospice and end-of-life care.

“Patients, families and community care partners regularly compliment Mary, share wonderful stories about her care, and describe how they are forever grateful for her compassionate, loving attention during the hardest days of their lives.”

Excellence in Caring Award - Heather Carruth, Bethany Village/Graceworks Lutheran Services

The Excellence in Caring Award is awarded to an outstanding direct or indirect care professional within a LeadingAge Ohio member organization who exemplifies quality and care in the field of aging services.

“Heather Carruth found a home in the rehab unit, quickly becoming a leader because of her competence, knowledge, and desire to care for our sickest elderly trying to return home. Heather’s dedication to Bethany’s faithful caring philosophy became evident as any nurse orienting on the unit seemed to ‘go through’ Heather to obtain the greatest training.”

Aging Services Impact Award - Yvonne Miller, Otterbein St. Mary's

The Aging Services Impact Award is awarded to an individual or LeadingAge Ohio member organization for communication efforts which promote a positive image of aging services and enhances the public perception of services offered by member organizations.

Yvonne Miller currently serves as the Activities Director, where she routinely brings a sense of adventure, innovation, and excitement to residents on a daily basis. 

Emerging Leader Award - Andrew Allen, Otterbein SeniorLife

The Emerging Leader Award is awarded to an individual within a LeadingAge Ohio member organization who demonstrates personal integrity, leadership and professional dedication in his/ her career.

“Drew goes above and beyond, nurturing new team members, reaching out to residents and their families to best understand how to optimize the dining experience, and establishing mentoring relationships with culinary directors and chefs throughout the company.”

Spotlight Award - Jane Zebris, Hospice of the Western Reserve

The LeadingAge Ohio Spotlight Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution through an innovative program or service that has positively impacted aging services.

“Jane Zebris selflessly dedicates her time to fostering meaningful connections with patients, offering emotional support, and being a reliable presence during the final few hours of life. She embraces the opportunity to deepen her skills and knowledge, enabling her to be an even greater source of comfort and solace to individuals and their families.”

Visionary Leadership Award of Honor - Barbara Thomas, Kendal at Oberlin

The Visionary Leadership Award of Honor is awarded to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of aging through inspirational and visionary leadership.

“Kendal at Oberlin’s Chief Executive Officer Barbara W. Thomas is winding up an outstanding 32- year career. A visionary with a dedication to the pursuit of excellence, customer service, and innovation, Barbara lives these pursuits with humility and purpose while focusing on each older adult served and on each employee who serves.”

Visionary Leadership Award of Honor - Rich Limongi Shepherd of the Valley

The Visionary Leadership Award of Honor is awarded to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution in the field of aging through inspirational and visionary leadership.

“For over thirty years, Rich Limongi has dedicated his career to enhancing the quality of life for adults in the senior community while simultaneously supporting his team as they fulfill this mission together. His visionary leadership along with his approachable and receptive style have positively impacted his staff and the families served at Shepherd of the Valley.”

It is never too late to begin thinking about next year’s awards. Questions about the LeadingAge Ohio awards program may be directed to Randi Hamill at rhamill@leadingageohio.org.