2023 Honorees

Innovator Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization who has created innovative solutions to improve the health and economic security of older adults in the community. It is in honor of Jack Ossofsky, a former NCOA president who launched numerous successful programs and promoted the true promises of an aging society.

Lisa Knoll, Chief Executive Officer, Aging Ahead

As CEO of the largest area agency on aging in Missouri, Knoll responds to the ever-changing needs of older adults. Recognizing the challenge of attracting people to traditional senior centers, Knoll launched the Choice program in 2014 to bring programs, services, and meals to locations where older adults naturally congregate, such as libraries, YMCAs, and grocery stores. Choice programs are now identified as community focal points under the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

During the early days of the pandemic, Knoll again spurred innovation by assembling a team to develop a platform to help organizations coordinate services quickly and securely. The groundbreaking Cumulus platform enables organizations to share data, meet goals, and improve outcomes. Today, NCOA and USAging are using Cumulus for the National Vaccine Uptake Initiative and Missouri’s Adult Protective Services is using it to improve responses between organizations serving at-risk adults.

During a time of significant challenge, it has been a privilege to be a part of critical, wide-ranging regional and statewide partnership initiatives that have made a passion for progress and innovation contagious within our agency and collective network.

— Lisa Knoll, Chief Executive Officer, Aging Ahead

Change Agent Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization working to ensure that every person—regardless of race, income, or background—has the resources to age well. It is in honor of Frankie Freeman, a civil rights attorney and former NCOA Board member who was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

George Fernandez, President and CEO, Color & Culture

George Fernandez has spent his career working to transform lives by embracing all cultural identities and meeting the needs of diverse and underserved communities. His approach is to meet people where they are, break down all barriers, and build authentic relationships with community partners.

During the pandemic, Fernandez led the Community-Accessible Testing & Educate (CATE) mobile response initiative to reach older adults disproportionately impacted by the virus, providing COVID-19 tests, vaccinations, flu shots, bilingual education, and personal protective equipment.

My unrelenting goal is to help people who look like me, and speak my language, and to help give them every opportunity to access resources and education that elevate their quality of life.

— George Fernandez, President and CEO, Color & Culture

Public Private Partnership Award

This award recognizes organizations that have established powerful partnerships that build bridges between the public and private sectors to empower every person to age well. It is in honor of Arthur Flemming, a tireless advocate for older adults.

Walmart Foundation

For nearly a decade, the Walmart Foundation has partnered with NCOA to increase enrollment of older adults into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With Walmart’s support, NCOA has regranted over $9 million to community agencies that have assisted over 239,000 older adults to apply for SNAP.

This partnership has also enhanced SNAP information in NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp.org, supported advocacy for the Elderly Simplified Application Project, and tested outreach strategies. Walmart Foundation continues to be a national leader in improving food access for older adults.

In support of our efforts to ensure healthier food for all, the Walmart Foundation uses philanthropy to improve food access by strengthening the federal nutrition safety net and investing in community food systems, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

— Eileen Hyde, Senior Director, Walmart.org

NISC Founders Award

This award recognizes exemplary and long-standing service to the senior center field. It is in honor of the nine founders of NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers.

Sheila Salyer, Director, Tallahassee Senior Center and Foundation

With more than 27 years as director of the Tallahassee Senior Center, Sheila Salyer says “it is rewarding to build an organization where everyone is welcome.” She has grown the foundation from $60,000 to $700,000, enabling it to provide innovative programming, including UPSLIDE, a program that offers older adults mental health support and relief from isolation.

By faith and a great support system of colleagues and friends around the country, I’m pleased to accept this prestigious honor and represent the good work being done at the Tallahassee Senior Center and at senior centers throughout Florida and the nation.

— Sheila Salyer, Director, Tallahassee Senior Center and Foundation

Champion Award

This award recognizes members of Congress or the Administration for their leadership in protecting and improving public policy and programs for older adults. It is in honor of Claude Pepper, a former U.S. Representative and Senator.

Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Administration for Community Living

Edwin Walker has served for more than 30 years as the chief career official for the federal agency advocating on behalf of older Americans, promoting home and community-based programs for aging with dignity and independence.

Walker has championed evidence-based prevention interventions, impacting countless programs and lives over his years of service.

Aging—it was not my plan, but it has become my passion—and I am honored to work in partnership with the incredibly dedicated individuals of the national aging services network on behalf of older Americans.

— Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Administration for Community Living

2022 Honorees

Innovator Award

S. Orlene Grant, President and CEO, Juanita C. Grant Foundation

Orlene Grant is a visionary who started the Juanita C. Grant Foundation in Capitol Heights, Maryland, seven years ago with a mission to “improve the quality of life for older adults through economic stability, education, and training.”

Under her leadership, the foundation has created multiple programs that remove the stigma of aging, provide training to support older adults’ retention in the workplace, and educate individuals on how to reduce financial scams and elder abuse.

During the pandemic, Grant launched the Village Connector Experience, a free outreach program designed to disrupt social isolation among older adults. Volunteers received training to conduct regular outreach to older adults, and the program has served over 750 members in 22 states, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

“It is an honor to be selected for NCOA’s 2022 Innovator Award in recognition of the Juanita C. Grant Foundation’s Village Connector Experience structured outreach call service to older adults increasing social connectedness with friends, family, and the community.”

— S. Orlene Grant, RN MSN, President, Founder, and CEO, Juanita C. Grant Foundation

Change Agent Award

Nora Moreno Cargie, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship, and President, Point32Health Foundation

Nora Moreno Cargie centers social justice and racial equity in her work. She addresses complex social challenges affecting older people who have experienced health disparities due to systemic racism, encouraging inclusive engagement with all communities.

Under her leadership, the foundation provided millions of dollars during the pandemic to engage older people in systems-level change to remove barriers and ensure an equitable response to COVID-19.

“I am humbled by this recognition—it strengthens my resolve to continue to be a disruptor, to work vigilantly toward eliminating the racism and bias embedded in our systems, and to follow the community in identifying solutions to the issues that matter to them.”

— Nora Moreno Cargie, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship, and President, Point32Health Foundation

Public Private Partnership Award

Nationwide Financial

Over the past 90 years, Nationwide has become one of the largest insurance and financial services companies, supporting nonprofits to make a greater impact. Since 2019, Nationwide has partnered with NCOA to improve the health and economic security of older adults through initiatives like the Age Well Planner and Medicare education.

“Our powerful partnership with NCOA is based on our shared values and passion for helping more Americans achieve a secure retirement.”

— Kristi Martin Rodriguez, Senior Vice President, Nationwide Retirement Institute

NISC Founders Award

Elizabeth Bernat, MHA, Director of Senior Services, Roper St. Francis Health

Elizabeth Bernat has worked at Lowcountry Senior Center for 20 years, serving as the director for the past 15 years. She also oversaw the development of Waring Senior Center in 2019. Bernat has served in various roles with NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers, contributing significantly to the senior center field.

“Senior centers are my passion. I have seen firsthand the difference they make in the lives of older adults, both in my community and across the country.”

“I am honored to work in this realm of aging. I am continually impressed by the creativity, innovation, and dedication of senior center professionals across the country.”

— Elizabeth Bernat, MHA, Director of Senior Services, Roper St. Francis Health

Distinguished Service Award

Alixe McNeill, Former Vice President, Program Development, NCOA

Alixe McNeill was a national leader who helped establish NCOA as a driving force in innovation for aging services. Her expertise combined passion for innovation with a deep understanding of program development, contributing to evidence-based health promotion programs like Healthy IDEAS and PEARLS, both of which continue to benefit older adults.

“Alixe was a key leader in helping NCOA go from a good to a great organization and a cherished friend and colleague.”

— James Firman, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, BellAge

2021 Honorees

Innovator Award

Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc. (SCHAS)

In its 50th year, SCHAS faced the pandemic by supporting employees and delivering essential supplies to older adults in rural and urban East Tennessee. Within days, SCHAS raised $20,000, created an intake system, and launched the SCHAS Out Shopping (SOS) program to shop for older adults unable to leave their homes. The program provided food, cleaning supplies, and toiletries at no cost to those in need.

“We have so many stories to tell from this program, but the message is the same. No matter your circumstances in life, you can have hope, your fears can be removed, and love can be given and received. Dignity does not have to disappear as we age.”

— Tim Howell, CEO, Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc.

Change Agent Award

Dr. Steven Wallace, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

Dr. Steven Wallace was a renowned scholar on health disparities among older adults, immigrants, and communities of color. He helped California adopt the Elder Economic Security Standard Index and created the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research. Throughout his career, he mentored students and professionals in the field.

“Steve was committed to ensuring that older adults, especially underserved communities, have access to resources to age with health and financial security. His work spotlighted disparities that still need to be addressed, and we will sorely miss his leadership.”

— Laura Trejo, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Aging

Public Private Partnership Award

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has partnered with NCOA for over 10 years, improving economic security for older adults. The foundation supports programs like BenefitsCheckUp® and initiatives to educate older adults about benefits and scams.

“We are grateful for this recognition and are proud of our continued partnership with NCOA in helping low-income seniors build financial security.”

— Kerry Sullivan, President, Bank of America Charitable Foundation

NISC Founders Award

Denise Niese, Executive Director, Wood County Committee on Aging

Denise Niese has led the Wood County Committee on Aging since 2005, securing a $1.6 million capital grant to build a new senior center in Wood County. She has served as Treasurer for the NISC Delegate Council and advocates for accreditation and standards of excellence for senior centers.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the 2021 NISC Founders Award. As we continue to serve older adults in our communities, it is imperative that NCOA/NISC remains a strong network and resource.”

— Denise Niese, Executive Director, Wood County Committee on Aging

Exceptional Service Award

WellMed Charitable Foundation

When COVID-19 vaccines became available, the WellMed Charitable Foundation partnered with WellMed Medical Management to convert senior centers into mass vaccination sites. The Foundation administered over 250,000 shots, with a focus on low-income, diverse communities.

“The opportunity to take our shuttered senior centers and use them to distribute over 250,000 COVID-19 vaccinations has been a humbling experience.”

— Carol Zernial, Executive Director, WellMed Charitable Foundation

Distinguished Service Award

James Firman, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, BellAge

James Firman has been a leader in aging services for over 40 years. As NCOA’s CEO, he promoted economic security and healthy aging for older adults. In 2020, he co-founded BellAge to use AI for public health, focusing initially on keeping older adults safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We serve a great cause. Keep going. Seize the moment!”

— Jim Firman, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, BellAge

2020 Honorees

Innovator Award

Tim Getty

Tim Getty is the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator for Heritage Area Agency on Aging in Cedar Rapids, IA. He oversees the Older Americans Act regional nutrition program in seven counties, serving 100,000 meals annually. When participation in the congregate meal program declined, Getty led an innovative project called Encore Café, which offers a salad bar, choice menu, table service, health programming, and produce boxes in partnership with local food banks. Within two years, the project served 1,234 participants and increased average voluntary contributions by 133%.

“I am beyond honored to receive this prestigious award and am grateful for the continued support of our local team, volunteers, and participants of this initiative.”

Change Agent Award

Amanda Lee

Amanda Lee is CEO and co-founder of Happy50Plus, a socially conscious membership organization that helps the underserved Chinese American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) 50+ population in Southern California. As many as 70% of this immigrant population has limited English proficiency. Happy50Plus provides in-language resources, learning opportunities, and social support to more than 2,500 AAPI older adults. During COVID-19, it became a trusted source for monolingual and socially isolated older people.

“Happy50Plus is a community-based, volunteer-driven organization with a passion for providing in-language virtual, online, and in-person activities. We look forward to working with NCOA and other organizations to provide even more information and resources to older Chinese/AAPI Americans.”

Public Private Partnership Award

Servicios de la Raza

Servicios de La Raza (Servicios), based in Denver, CO, provides and advocates for culturally responsive essential services to low- and moderate-income communities, irrespective of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. Founded in 1972, Servicios has a long-standing mission to serve the Latinx community, including advocacy against regulatory barriers and supporting families during the pandemic with food, behavioral health, and workforce development services.

“Mil gracias to NCOA for this significant award and recognition; however, even more important, mil gracias to NCOA for their partnership in serving our aging Colorado community.”

— Rudy Gonzales, Executive Director

NISC Founders Award

Jill Hall

Jill Hall is Chief of the Senior Centers and Community Services Division at Baltimore County Department of Aging, Towson, MD. With more than 22 years in senior center leadership, Hall has chaired initiatives to dispel ageist stereotypes and promote brain fitness, wellness, and social connection. She has served on the Executive Committee of NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) for eight years and developed its Programs of Excellence Awards.

“Throughout my career, I have benefited from the exceptional resources and leading-edge programs developed by NCOA and NISC. I am excited to continue serving this wonderful agency.”

NISC State Leader Award

David Stevens

David Stevens has been Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA) since 1994. MCOA advocates for older adults, family caregivers, and people with disabilities. It provides lobbying, training, technical assistance, and grants to its 350 municipal members, and is closely modeled after NCOA’s mission, focusing on economic security, healthy aging, outreach to underserved populations, and training.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from an organization that I deeply admire, but I only accept this on behalf of all the 350 Councils on Aging in our Commonwealth that have all contributed to MCOA’s success.”