News

Stars Among Us Awards: 11 Days Left to Tell Their Story

On September 17, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2027 Stars Among Us Awards is September 28—just 11 days away. If there's someone you've been meaning to nominate, now is the time to move that good intention to the top of your list.

Stars Among Us Awards: Have You Started Your Nomination?

On September 3, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

Have you been thinking about nominating someone for a 2027 Stars Among Us Award—but haven't quite gotten around to starting the nomination?

Stars Among Us Spotlight: Nearly 40 Years of Making a Difference

On August 27, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

When Annette Riestenberg was named the 2026 Stars Among Us Statewide Caregiver of the Year, the recognition celebrated far more than her nearly 40 years of service. It celebrated the relationships, compassion, and countless everyday moments that have made her such an important part of the lives of the people she serves.

Stars Among Us: Recognition Begins with a Nomination

On August 20, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

Every Stars Among Us Award begins the same way: with someone taking the time to nominate a deserving person or program.

Stars Among Us: Don’t Overlook Everyday Excellence

On August 13, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

As you consider who to nominate for a 2027 Stars Among Us Award, don't overlook everyday excellence. Not every star seeks the spotlight, and some of the people most deserving of recognition are the least likely to ask for it.

Advance Quality & Clinical Excellence – Two Educational Opportunities for Your Team

On August 6, 2026 by Sharon Hollister

Quality improvement isn't a one-time initiative — it's an ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible care and outcomes. Whether you're looking for timely updates on today's federal quality programs or want to build deeper expertise in quality leadership, LeadingAge Minnesota offers education designed to help you strengthen performance, improve outcomes, and lead with confidence.

Who Comes to Mind? Stars Among Us Award Nominations Open

On July 23, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

Every day, someone in your organization makes a difference.

Maybe it's the caregiver who consistently goes above and beyond for residents. The maintenance technician who quietly solves problems before anyone notices.

Learn on Your Time: 18 New On-Demand Webinars Added to Our Learning Center

On June 18, 2026 by Sharon Hollister

Professional development just became even more convenient. LeadingAge Minnesota has added 18 new webinars to our online Learning Center, giving members access to timely education on clinical care, workforce development, leadership, risk management, reimbursement, dementia care, ethics, and more.

Leadership Academy Launches 2026 Cohort

On June 4, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

The 2026 LeadingAge Minnesota Leadership Academy officially launched in May with a two-day session focused on Authentic Leadership — setting the stage for a year of reflection, growth, and connection.

Celebrating the 2026 Stars Among Us Award Winners

On February 12, 2026 by Ben Hansen

On February 10, 2026, LeadingAge Minnesota proudly honored the very best of aging services at our annual Stars Among Us Awards Banquet. For more than 35 years, our Stars Among Us Awards have recognized the individuals and organizations whose leadership, compassion, innovation, and dedication elevate the lives of older adults across Minnesota.

Health Dimensions Group® Names Erin Hilligan Chief Operating Officer

On September 18, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Health Dimensions Group^® (HDG^®), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, Minn., has named Erin Hilligan as its chief operating officer (COO). With this role, Hilligan joins HDG’s Executive Leadership Team.

Bob Dahl, Outgoing CEO of Cassia, Honored with LeadingAge Minnesota Lifetime Achievement Award

On September 18, 2025 by Ben Hansen

Celebrating a Legacy of Vision, Service, and Leadership in Aging Services

LeadingAge Minnesota is proud to honor Bob Dahl, outgoing President and CEO of Cassia, with our prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award — one of the highest honors bestowed by the association. Reserved for individuals who are retiring from a career of distinction in aging services, the award recognizes visionary leadership, enduring impact, and a legacy that inspires future generations.

Cassia appoints Matthew Kern as next CEO

On August 7, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Cassia is pleased to announce Matthew Kern as its next president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 1, 2025.

Vista Prairie Communities Expands Leadership Team – Kacey Kasel Appointed as Regional Director of Operations

On April 17, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Earlier this week, Vista Prairie Communities (VPC) is pleased announced the return of Kacey Kasel, RN, BSN, PHN, LALD as a Regional Director of Operations (RDO). In this expanded leadership role, Kacey will provide additional operational support to VPC’s communities, ensuring a continued focus on excellence in care, team development, and resident well-being.

Health Dimensions Group® Names Barbara Klick Executive Vice President of Quality

On March 20, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Health Dimensions Group® (HDG®), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, MN, announced that they have hired Barbara Klick as executive vice president of quality. With this position, Klick will join HDG’s Executive Leadership Team.

Nurse Leadership Program – Register by March 18

On March 6, 2025 by Sharon Hollister

New and emerging nurse leaders in skilled nursing care centers, assisted living, or home care settings will gain a solid understanding of the foundational elements that make up the nurse leader’s role by attending LeadingAge Minnesota’s Nurse Leadership Program.

2025 Leadership Academy Dates Announced and Applications are Open

On January 9, 2025 by Barbara Landeen

Applications for the 2025 Leadership Academy are now open.

Leadership Academy is a unique program with a 15-year track record of developing leadership capacity and core competencies of aging services professionals by tapping their natural talents and authentic leadership style.

Bob Dahl, President and CEO of Cassia, Announces Retirement

On December 5, 2024 by LeadingAge Minnesota

On Dec. 3, 2024, Bob Dahl, President and CEO of Cassia, formally announced his plan to retire in January 2026.

Congratulations to Our New District Officers

On October 24, 2024 by Barbara Landeen

LeadingAge Minnesota consists of seven geographical districts which serve an important governance function of the association.

Call for District Leadership Nominations: District Officer and Director Elections at October District Meetings

On September 12, 2024 by Barbara Landeen

Elections will be held for several open District Officer and Director positions during the upcoming October district meetings. This is a call for nominations to fill these important leadership positions.