A familiar Stars Among Us Award has been recast to reflect the spirit of its namesake for the 2019 recognition program. 

The late Ray Johnson was an early pioneer in senior housing who brought a sense of seniors as people of dignity and distinction who are capable of governing themselves and their communities effectively. He was an untiring advocate for older adults’ self-determination. 

The Ray Johnson award was originally designed for a senior housing leader, then later updated to a broader leadership audience as the field evolved. Earlier this year, the LeadingAge Minnesota Awards & Recognition Committee met to examine the slate of awards. 

“Who is that person, who may or may not be an out-front spokesperson, who is a change agent for our field … who challenges the status quo and pushes the boundaries of what is possible for seniors and the way we serve them?” was the question that led to the new award. 

The all new Ray Johnson Pioneer Leadership Award is designed to recognize a person who is an influencer for transforming and enhancing older adult services and is available to any individual at any level of a LeadingAge Minnesota provider organization, regardless of title or tenure. We encourage members to think creatively about formal and informal, experienced and emerging leaders in all areas of their organization for this award. 

Nominations for the 2019 Stars Among Us Awards are open through Sept. 14. All members are welcome and encouraged to submit nominations for your amazing caregivers, volunteers, leaders, and the great work your organization is doing to enhance the experience of aging. 

All award recipients will be honored at the 2019 Institute & Expo in February. Click here for all the details.