Building Bench-Strength Through Leaders Ignited

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December 11, 2025

LeadingAge PA’s Leaders Ignited is a 7-week virtual leadership series designed to foster strong leadership within the aging services sector. It prepares individuals to develop professionally and take the next step in their careers by equipping them with practical skills that make an immediate impact.

Why Leaders Ignited Matters

In its inaugural year, participants left the program with tools and strategies to:

  • Strengthen team engagement and commitment
  • Resolve conflicts with confidence and empathy
  • Navigate budgeting and departmental finances
  • Enhance emotional intelligence and relational skills
  • Optimize personal effectiveness and well-being

Part of the Bigger Picture

Leaders Ignited is part of a broader initiative aimed at delivering professional development resources to our member providers. It works alongside various programs and learning opportunities, such as Fellows in Leadership, which equips leaders with practical strategies and skills to address real-world issues in their communities. Additionally, there are signature conferences, workshops, and webinars. Together, they create a comprehensive pathway to ensure Pennsylvania’s aging services providers are ready to face current and future challenges.

In Their Own Words

“There were opportunities to connect virtually with a community of leaders that were looking to enhance their leadership skills. The training sessions were led by a dynamic facilitator that spoke to our industry; the session topics and scenarios were relevant to all leaders regardless of department or size.  The time flew by as the sessions were intentionally interactive.”
- LaJeune Adams, Corporate Director of Education and Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Presbyterian Senior Living in Dillsburg, Pa.

“This is an amazing course for both new and seasoned leaders.  It really energized me and was such a valuable resource. I enjoyed it very much and did trainings based on the information for my leadership team. Definitely a course worth taking!”
- Becky Heimbach, NHA, Executive Director at EverTrue Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village in Lewisburg, Pa. 

“I would recommend “Leader’s Ignited” for many reasons, but the main reason I am glad I participated was that I learned lessons that will not only help my professional life, but my personal one as well. ‘How we live our days is how we live our lives.’”

- Kammi Plummer Booher, Admission Director at Valley View Retirement Community in Belleville, Pa.

Meet the Facilitator

Great leaders nurture even greater leaders, and that is certainly true for Del Gilbert, the facilitator of Leaders Ignited. Gilbert is the founder of Accelerating Excellence and brings 30 years of leadership experience and an engaging style to each session. With experience as Chief Learning Officer at St. Joseph Healthcare, he delivers nearly 100 keynotes, workshops, and training sessions each year. His focus is on supporting future leaders by helping them develop the skills necessary to advance in their roles and enhance their teams.

Building on Last Year’s Success

Building on the successes of last year’s cohort, the 2026 Leaders Ignited series will help participants deepen their leadership foundation, applying new approaches to communication, team dynamics, and organizational responsibility. The upcoming program runs on Tuesdays from March 3 to April 14 and features seven virtual, two-hour Zoom sessions. Tuition is $499 per staff member, and enrollment is open exclusively to LeadingAge PA members.

Register here.