In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President & CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, speaks with Ben Unkle, President & CEO of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Ben shares his unlikely path from trial lawyer to nearly three decades in senior living leadership, including 15 years in his current role. He reflects on the leadership traits that matter most, the power of communication, and lessons learned from guiding the organization through the 2009 economic downturn. The conversation highlights Westminster-Canterbury’s culture of innovation—from creative solutions to industry challenges to their newest project, a 22-story oceanfront tower. Ben also weighs in on broader issues impacting the field, including the urgent need for improved immigration policies to help address workforce shortages.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with Carrie Davis, administrator at Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville, VA, to explore her decades-long journey in long-term care. Carrie reflects on her deep commitment to serving older adults and the leadership roles that have shaped her impact within LeadingAge Virginia. Together, they dive into the evolution of Covenant Woods, the complexities of supporting diverse populations, and the power of a coaching-based leadership style. The conversation also highlights the value of mentorship, the multifaceted role of today’s administrators, and how the long-term care sector continues to adapt to meet emerging needs.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, speaks with Jennifer Martin, RN, CHPN, and Carlos Galliamore, BS, RN, of Blue Ridge Care in Winchester, VA. Together, they explore the importance of expanding access to hospice and palliative care and breaking down common misconceptions. The conversation highlights the organization’s compassionate, community-centered approach, the leadership philosophies that guide their work, and how they are using innovation to better serve patients and families in their region.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with Christy Zeitz, CEO of Fellowship Square, and Marta Hill Gray, President of Culpepper Garden, to explore the urgent need for affordable housing for older adults. Together, they dive into the growing housing crisis, the critical importance of preserving existing communities, and the role of both government and private funding in supporting sustainable solutions. Christy and Marta also share how their organizations go beyond housing to provide essential supportive services that help residents thrive. The episode highlights not only the professional challenges of serving an aging population, but also the deep personal fulfillment that comes with the work.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, talks with Amy Strite, President and CEO of The Span Center. Amy shares insights into the Span Center’s mission to support older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers across several Virginia communities. With a reach of over 111,000 lives each year, the organization offers a vital network of services that improve quality of life. Amy reflects on her professional journey, her deep commitment to advocacy, and her leadership approach. The discussion also explores key issues in aging services, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, effective leadership, and the evolving future of care for older adults.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, president and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with professional photographer Heidi Wagner to explore the power of storytelling through photography. Wagner shares how her Passions Project showcases older adults engaged in what they love, challenging ageism and fostering connections. She reflects on photographing diverse communities, from LGBTQ+ elders to public school students, and her ongoing mission to highlight purpose and identity at every stage of life. Tune in to hear how art can be a catalyst for change and inclusion.

Voice in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, Jenny Inker, MBA, MS, PhD, LALFA, and Jennifer Yanez Pryor, MA, MS, LALFA, from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Gerontology, explore the evolving landscape of assisted living. They discuss pressing challenges such as workforce burnout, recruitment struggles, and the need for a person-centered approach to care. The conversation also highlights innovative care models and key projects, including their upcoming book on assisted living administration and an online Residential Care/Assisted Living (RCAL) exam prep course.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, Bethanie Constant, vice president of Mission Advancement at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, about her journey into gerontology, her current research, and her efforts to combat ageism and ableism. Bethanie discusses her background in fundraising and communications, her passion for supporting older adults, and the power of language in shaping perceptions about age and ability. She highlights her research using Virginia Commonwealth University's ageism toolkit to assess and combat biases within her organization, as well as initiatives to reduce isolation and promote inclusivity. Bethanie also reflects on the importance of leadership support in driving change and how her findings will shape future strategies.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, Gigi Amateau, MS, PhD, and Morgan Alexander, LMSW, MSG, explore how fostering a culture of safety and belonging within organizations can enhance job satisfaction and employee retention. Gigi, an assistant professor and Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care Lab Director for the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Gerontology and Virginia Center on Aging, explains the principles of trauma-informed care, emphasizing the need to understand individuals' life histories to create safe spaces and prevent re-traumatization. Morgan, with her expertise in social work and care management, sheds light on person-centered care and the impact of power dynamics in caregiving relationships. Together, they discuss the importance of listening deeply, honoring older adults’ experiences, and cultivating care environments where everyone feels valued and respected.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In our Season 3 premiere, Dr. Kristine Theurer, president of JAVA Group Programs, shares how her personal journey of grief inspired her to develop the first standardized peer support interventions for senior living communities. These programs, now implemented in over 2,000 communities, use structured themes and guidelines to create meaningful connections, significantly reducing loneliness and depression among participants. Dr. Theurer highlights research demonstrating increased happiness and decreased health risks for those involved and shares her vision for expanding peer support globally to combat loneliness—not just in senior living but also in schools and caregiver support networks.