LeadingAge PA 2026 Annual Conference: Changemakers Shaping the Future
More than 1,400 aging services professionals and business partners gathered in Hershey, Pa., in May for LeadingAge PA’s 2026 Annual Conference, united by a common purpose: to create positive change in Pennsylvania’s aging services system and for the older adults in their care.
Throughout the conference, attendees explored innovative ideas, gained valuable knowledge from others in the sector, and celebrated exceptional achievements. Furthermore, they learned about some new LeadingAge PA initiatives aimed at strengthening our collective mission.
Investing in Nurse Leaders
One highlight was the unveiling of our Nurse Leadership Council pilot program. Recognizing that many nurses are promoted into leadership positions without formal leadership development, the program is designed to help nurses strengthen their leadership skills and connect their clinical expertise to broader organizational strategy.
The initiative, shaped by a task force and Nurse Leadership Council, underscores the importance of mentorship, professional growth, and peer connections. As noted, during the conference, investing in nurse leaders benefits individual professionals, their teams, and the overall quality of care for residents and participants.
Click here to learn more about our continued commitment to building leadership pipelines across all levels of aging services.
A New Partnership with Penn State
LeadingAge PA also announced an exciting new partnership with Penn State University's School of Hospitality Management through the creation of the Collaborative Learning Alliance.
The alliance will connect LeadingAge PA members with Penn State students through internships, career opportunities, guest speaking engagements, mentoring experiences, and research collaborations focused on senior living and hospitality.
During the announcement, Waverly Heights and Liberty Lutheran were highlighted to demonstrate how hospitality-focused education can translate into successful careers in senior living leadership.
Click here to learn more about this collaboration.
Expanding Administrator Development Opportunities
Workforce development remained a focus on day two, with the announcement of an additional Administrator-in-Training Grant opportunity.
Through a partnership with the Saunders Foundation, LeadingAge PA will now offer another $60,000 Administrator-in-Training Grant specifically for members in the Greater Philadelphia region, expanding upon the association's existing administrator development efforts, which, by the way, is currently accepting submissions here.
Exploring the Future of Aging Services
This year’s conference also included a conversation between LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano and Dr. Nicole Osevala, Chief of Geriatric Medicine and Medical Director of Post-Acute Care at Penn State Health. They discussed innovative approaches to aging services, focusing on workforce development and new payment models. Their conversation emphasized the importance of building stronger career pathways for healthcare professionals and creating sustainable systems for older adults.
Welcoming New Leadership
The conference also marked an important leadership transition as Rachel Wachter was introduced as the new Annual Conference Chair.
Outgoing Chair Brian Levesque reflected on his years of service and formally passed leadership responsibilities to Wachter. The transition symbolized the conference theme of Changemakers, highlighting the importance of celebrating past successes while embracing new ideas and perspectives.
Looking Ahead
From leadership development and workforce initiatives to innovative partnerships and new funding opportunities, the 2026 Annual Conference showcased the monumental efforts driving aging services forward.
As we look ahead, we're building on the ideas, connections, and inspiration sparked throughout the week to strengthen our workforce, advance innovation, and continue improving the lives of older adults across Pennsylvania.