LeadingAge PA 2025 Annual Conference: Impact in Action

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July 1, 2025

The LeadingAge PA 2025 Annual Conference brought new energy and excitement as we returned to Hershey, Pennsylvania, a setting rich with tradition and inspiration. This year’s theme, "Impact," guided our time together, reminding us of the meaningful ways we influence aging services, support our communities, and uplift one another. Throughout the week, that impact was visible in the conversations, collaborations, and celebrations we shared.

Networking and Exhibitors

The week kicked off with a dynamic networking reception, sponsored by Sodexo, where attendees reconnected with peers, met new colleagues, and explored the exhibit hall. The event offered a welcoming, informal environment for fostering partnerships and learning about innovative products and services that support aging services providers across the Commonwealth. 

Inspiring Keynotes 
Leveling Up: 7 Questions for Next-Level Leadership
Sponsored by Kairos

In an engaging keynote, Ryan Leak encouraged attendees to reflect deeply on their leadership journeys. Drawing from his book Leveling Up, he posed seven powerful questions that challenge traditional thinking and fuel personal and professional growth. Attendees walked away with clear, actionable strategies for taking ownership of their development and strengthening their leadership impact.

The Art of Achieving Ambitious Things

Sponsored by Creating Results

Jia Jiang delivered an energizing message on goal setting and perseverance, sharing his One Action Goal System to simplify success and push through barriers. Blending humor with heartfelt stories, Jia inspired attendees to approach ambitious goals with focus and confidence. His message reinforced the power of daily intention and how it leads to lasting change.


Celebrating Honors

Fellows in Leadership Alumni Dinner

We proudly celebrated the 2025 Fellows in Leadership graduates at a festive alumni dinner sponsored by Wagman. Alumni from various years returned to support the newest class, fostering a sense of camaraderie and tradition. The four cohorts were as competitive as ever and were honored for their achievements, with special recognition given to the outgoing program coaches.

The evening was filled with connection, reflection, and well-deserved recognition.

Distinguished Service Awards Dinner

Later in the week, we hosted a special dinner, sponsored by RLPS, to honor the 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients. Each of these individuals has made a significant and lasting impact on aging services in Pennsylvania. The evening brought together colleagues, friends, and family to celebrate their leadership, dedication, and contributions to our sector. You can learn more about this year's honorees here.

A Lively Evening for a Meaningful Cause
Jams, Jives, and Social Vibes: Supporting Grants & Scholarships
New for 2025, this high-energy social event combined fun with purpose. With a $25 donation supporting the LeadingAge PA Foundation’s professional development initiatives, attendees enjoyed live music, great company, and the opportunity to strengthen our scholarship and grant programs, including Internship Grants, AIT Grants, and Professional Development Scholarships for staff across member communities.

Guests also had the option to support the LeadingAge PA PAC, helping to advance our advocacy efforts statewide.


Advocacy in Action: Lobby Day at the Capitol

On June 10, many members gathered in Harrisburg for Lobby Day, marking a powerful kickoff to the week. Members met directly with legislators to champion key aging services priorities, including increased funding and workforce solutions. A press conference, featuring LeadingAge PA President & CEO Garry Pezzano, Senator David Argall, Representative Maureen Madden, and Representative Steven Mentzer, spotlighted the urgency of investing in care for older adults. Read more about Lobby Day here.

We extend our sincere thanks to our members, sponsors, speakers, and partners for making this year’s event a success. Your passion, dedication, and collaboration continue to shape the future of aging services in Pennsylvania.

We are excited about what is to come at the 2026 Conference scheduled for May 11-13, 2026, in Hershey, PA. The window to submit an education proposal will open on July 26!

Impact Station

At our Impact Station, attendees reflected on what “impact” means to them in their work. Here’s what a few shared:

  • “Helping senior living teams find the right executive leaders.”

  • “Provide compassionate care and demonstrate servant leadership to residents, staff, and the surrounding community.”

  • “To grow my team to be future leaders in long-term care.”
  • “Remember to lead with compassion and heart.”
  • “If you take care of your team, they will take care of you and your residents.”

  • “Help my team members grow the same way my leaders helped me.”
  • “To assist the next level of management, level up!"