LeadingAge North Carolina

06/18/2026

What stood out to our award selection committee was not just C.J.’s longevity or accomplishments, but the way she leads at every level of Glenaire Continuing Care Retirement Community.

From mentoring future leaders and coordinating a community event that has raised $250,000 for resident assistance, to helping residents navigate difficult situations with patience, compassion, and dignity, C.J. demonstrates that leadership is measured as much by impact on people as by results. Congratulations, C.J., on your 🏆 Excellence in Leadership award, well-deserved recognition.

This year, we have been celebrating most award recipients in their home communities, alongside the colleagues, residents, and teams who know their impact best.

📍 A few more stops to come and stories to share before we start preparing for the 2027 award season.





Pictured at the podium are LeadingAge NC President and CEO, Tom Akins (left), with C.J. Rice.

06/16/2026

Congratulations to 🏆Mark Massar of Givens Estates, recipient of a 2026 Service Excellence Award.

As a maintenance technician responsible for critical life safety systems, Mark's work often happens behind the scenes but its impact is felt every day. Through his dedication to resident safety, proactive problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he helps create the secure and supportive environment residents depend on.

Mark exemplifies the vital role frontline team members play in aging services. We are proud to recognize his outstanding service and the difference he makes for residents, families, and colleagues alike.

This year, we are celebrating most award recipients in their home communities, alongside the colleagues, residents, and teams who know their impact best. Congratulations to Mark and Givens Estates!

📍 More stops to come. More stories to share.

06/11/2026

A big thank you to our friends at Searstone in Cary for hosting our staff meeting and treating us to a wonderful meal. We always appreciate opportunities to connect with members and experience the hospitality that makes our communities so special.

Also pictured on the far right is Laiya Rollins, who recently joined our team as Director of Membership. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the relationships she will build with members across the state.

📸 Laiya Rollins

06/05/2026

Please contact Life Plan Recruiting if you are interested!

AMAZING CAREER OPPORTUNITY – FULLY REMOTE!

Life Plan Recruiting is excited to partner with LeadingAge North Carolina in the search for a Part-Time Executive Assistant to support the President & CEO of one of the most respected aging services associations in the country.

This fully remote position is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys supporting executive leadership, coordinating board and committee activities, managing schedules, and helping advance a mission that serves older adults across North Carolina. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with industry leaders while contributing to an organization that advocates for and supports senior living providers statewide.

Fully Remote
Part-Time Position: 20 Hours Per Week
Executive Leadership Support
Board & Committee Coordination
Mission-Driven Organization

If you are looking for a flexible opportunity where your organizational skills, professionalism, and passion for supporting others can make a meaningful impact, I would love to speak with you.
Please contact me directly, as Life Plan Recruiting is conducting the first round of interviews for this position.

[email protected]
828-506-1644
www.lifeplanrecruiting.com

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this opportunity with them.

Let's advance careers together!

06/04/2026

Bringing a little more clarity (and connection) to your day—June’s Big Picture is here.

Key state policy movement, leadership development opportunities, new research, and upcoming deadlines all in one place. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to take a look at what is ahead and where to engage.

📫 https://www.leadingagenc.org/mpage/BigPicJune26

06/03/2026

After the Annual Conference in Asheville, we visited Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill to recognize two leaders whose work reflects the core of aging services: steady governance and everyday service.

Tom Akins, President & CEO of LeadingAge NC, presented the 🌟 Excellence in Governance Award to Jack Evans and the 🌟Service Excellence Award to Bas Kimlinger. Jack’s decades of disciplined financial stewardship have helped Carol Woods maintain an ‘A’ S&P Global rating. Bas remained on-site through a multi-day winter storm, ensuring safety, access, and continuity of services for residents and staff.

Both honorees reflect the leadership and daily commitment that strengthen communities from the inside out. Congratulations and thank you. 👏

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This year, we are expanding how we recognize excellence. In addition to honoring recipients at Annual Conference, we are visiting member communities so recognition is shared directly with the colleagues, residents, and teams who experience its impact firsthand.

📍 More stops to come. More stories to share.

06/02/2026

One of the things we love about this field is that people show up ready to learn and apply new concepts.

We were honored to welcome Dan Heath as our 2026 Annual Conference opening session keynote last month in Asheville, setting the tone for a conference centered on practical application and how meaningful change happens in real-world settings.

The session reflected what we see across our membership: ideas being taken seriously, connected directly to daily work, and carried into conversations about improving care and strengthening teams in aging services across North Carolina.

06/02/2026

Before our conference in Asheville last month, Tom Akins, President and CEO, made a special stop in nearby Black Mountain to honor Carol Watson at Givens Highland Farms.

Carol recently received a Service Excellence Award in recognition of an extraordinary 45 years of service. Her career reflects the kind of dedication that strengthens communities from the inside out.

Residents and colleagues know Carol for her attention to detail, steady presence, and commitment to getting things right. During Hurricane Helene, when normal systems were disrupted, she worked tirelessly to ensure team members were paid accurately and on time, helping the organization maintain stability during a difficult period.

One former supervisor put it simply: "She is GHF."

Congratulations, Carol, and thank you for a career defined by service, professionalism, and dedication.

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This year, we are expanding how we celebrate. While some honorees were recognized at our Annual Conference, we are also visiting member communities so recognition can be shared directly with the colleagues, residents, and teams who experience the impact firsthand.

📍 More stops to come. More stories to share.

05/29/2026

Leadership transitions bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and renewed commitment to serving older adults with excellence and compassion.

In the latest edition of 🎥 2 Minutes with Tom ( 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tARCBM0UjTE), we are welcoming the newest executive directors and CEOs across our member communities and reflecting on the value of connection, collaboration, and shared leadership in aging services.

Please join us in welcoming:

• Michael Williams — Glenaire Continuing Care Retirement Community, Cary (Kintura)
• Matt Beam — Well•Spring, A Life Plan Community, Greensboro (Kintura)
• Greg Garrett — The Forest at Duke Continuing Care Retirement Community, Durham
• Paul Barber — St. Joseph of the Pines, Southern Pines
• Sarah Marr — Ardenwoods Retirement Community, Arden (ThriveMore)
• Pierce Carey — Porters Neck Village, Wilmington (Life Care Services)
• Dan Cuthriell (interim) — The Cypress of Raleigh, Raleigh (LCS)