Shirley Barnes Leaves a Legacy of Leadership and Transformation at Crest View

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran

Shirley Barnes is retiring after a distinguished 44-year career in senior care, marking the end of an era at Crest View Senior Communities, where she spearheaded transformative projects and served as a beacon of leadership for 28 years of her career.

Notably, her efforts in 2016 led to the development of the innovative senior community at Blaine. She is also in the process of finalizing the conversion of Royce Place into long-term transitional housing. It will be a vital asset for Anoka County.

Shirley’s leadership extended beyond organizational boundaries; she took pride in her role as Chair of the LeadingAge Minnesota Board of Directors. Her commitment to the sector and the professional caregivers she worked with has been inspirational. She advocated for positive change, particularly through her work on the Anoka County Workforce Development Board, the Minnesota Workforce Development Board, and the Association for Workforce Development Boards.

As Shirley prepares for retirement, with plans to travel and spend time with family, her legacy at Crest View and within the LeadingAge Minnesota community remains indelible. She leaves behind a strong message of advocacy and empowerment, encouraging every member to be vocal and engaged in shaping the future of senior living.

Shirley’s contributions exemplify the spirit of LeadingAge Minnesota—transformative, supportive, and driven by a profound commitment to enhancing the experience of aging. As we wish her well in her new journey, her words and deeds inspire us to advocate for and support our communities and those we serve. Shirley’s parting wisdom for the next generation of leaders: “Take pride in what we do and never lose sight of why we do it.”