July 23, 2025 – LeadingAge Southeast celebrated excellence across the field of aging services during its 62nd Annual Convention & Exposition at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, presenting the association’s 2025 awards to outstanding individuals and organizations making a profound impact on the lives of older adults.
“These honorees represent the very best of our field,” said Steve Bahmer, President & CEO of LeadingAge Southeast. “Their passion, dedication, and innovation elevate our mission and inspire all of us working in aging services. We’re proud to recognize their achievements and the extraordinary impact they have on their communities.”
This year’s award recipients include:
- Caregiver of the Year: Saconda Pratt, Poydras Home (New Orleans, LA) – Honored for nearly 25 years of compassionate care, especially in memory support, and for her leadership in implementing the Green House model of person-centered caregiving.
- Emerging Leader Award: Ariana Pallota, College Arms Towers (DeLand, FL) – Recognized for her forward-thinking leadership, operational resilience, and resident-first mindset, guiding an $11 million rehabilitation while fostering a culture of excellence and trust.
- Employee of the Year: Loretta Wadlington, Methodist Senior Services (Tupelo, MS) – Celebrated for 40 years of service as Executive Assistant to the President, serving as the organization’s steady hand, institutional memory, and trusted advisor across all levels of leadership.
- Executive of the Year: Earnestine Thompson, Fair Haven (Birmingham, AL) – Honored for a remarkable 43-year career of servant leadership and transformation at Fair Haven, where she rose from assistant dietitian to Administrator of Residential Services, guiding staff and residents through change with grace and compassion.
- Innovation Award: Kristina Troyer, Cypress Living (FL) – Honored for her groundbreaking work in AI and data analytics, including the development of “Hugo” and “Dex,” digital agents transforming decision-making in senior care, and fostering a culture of data literacy and collaboration.
- Service Coordinator of the Year: Raul Blanco, St. Elizabeth Gardens (Pompano Beach, FL) – A former maintenance supervisor turned devoted service coordinator, Raul is known for his unwavering commitment, infectious positivity, and deep connection with residents.
- Spirit of Service Award: CCL Hospitality Group – Selected as the inaugural recipient of this new award recognizing business partners that demonstrate extraordinary commitment, compassion, and alignment with LeadingAge Southeast’s mission, especially during moments of hardship.
- Volunteer of the Year: Marge Lee, Shell Point (Fort Myers, FL) – Recognized for curating over 50 exhibitions at the Tribby Arts Center and launching impactful programs like Arts as Healing, placing Shell Point at the center of global artistic innovation and community resilience.
These individuals and organizations exemplify the heart, skill, and innovation that define excellence in aging services.
About LeadingAge Southeast
Established in 1963, LeadingAge Southeast is the premier association serving high-quality senior living providers across the continuum of care in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the Legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers to help member communities best serve the needs of older adults.