Dr. Sharon Aadalen Named Board Trustee of the Year

Posted on February 29, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

Dr. Sharon Aadalen, a member of the Board of Directors for Jones-Harrison in Minneapolis, was recently named Board Trustee of the Year by LeadingAge Minnesota. 

“Dr. Sharon Aadalen is a recognized steward of the Jones-Harrison community. Her long-term service on the Board of Directors is a testament to her compassion and concern for the quality of life for all who live and work there,” said Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge Minnesota. “She has keen insight into the evolving role and efficacy of a Board of Directors and most recently led efforts to ensure the board is more inclusive and representative of the people it serves.”

The award honors a volunteer board member in an older adult services organization whose leadership, service and actions have enriched the lives of older persons and enhanced their community.   

Pictured (l to r): Sara Sterling, Chair, LeadingAge MN Awards & Recognition Committee; Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, LeadingAge MN; Dr. Sharon Aadalen; Nancy Stratman, Board Chair, LeadingAge MN.

A former public health nurse and educator, Dr. Aadalen has served on the Jones-Harrison Board of Directors for 17 years and has been a driving force for change that sets a clear plan of action for others to follow. She has served and chaired almost every Board committee and served three, two-year terms as Chair of the Residence Board of Directors.

Dr. Aadalen places a high priority on the longitudinal impact a decision might have for an organization, its mission, and its residents and staff. Her efforts to ensure more inclusiveness on the board and the broader organization has led to collaborative partnership with Training to Serve that is educating board members and staff about the needs of the elder LGBT community and transforming Jones-Harrison into a more welcoming community.

In addition, Dr. Aadalen has increased the Board’s role in the strategic planning process, raised awareness of state regulatory and resident satisfaction survey results, explored new avenues for community relations and fundraising, and enhanced participation in staff recognition events.

“Sharon was critical to a strategic planning process that Jones-Harrison convened before its 130th Anniversary to create a shared board vision and plan for our organization’s future. She has never backed away from tasks large and small, attends every special event in our community, and is a visible and enthusiastic support of our residents, their families and our staff,” said Cindy Iverson, Director of Development, Jones-Harrison

Dr. Aadalen is an active community volunteer, serving on the council of ministers at her church and the Minnesota 100 Club that supports local fire, police and corrections officers. She also served as the Director of Graduate Nursing program and is a profession emeritus at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

For more information, watch Dr. Sharon Aadalen – Trustee of the Year.