AAHSA takes great pride in recognizing individuals and organizations that are advancing the vision of healthy, affordable, ethical aging services through their commitment to Quality First. Our award winners combine leadership, creativity and commitment to make great strides in the field. Through these awards, AAHSA pays tribute to their work and offers public recognition from their peers. We hope that these award winners will inspire others to achieve ever- higher levels of excellence and public trust.

Award of Honor
The Award of Honor, AAHSA’s highest award, is presented to a distinguished individual who has provided outstanding leadership to the national association and whose exemplary service and commitment to quality have advanced both the association and the aging-services field.

Excellence in Leadership Award
Recognizes individuals and governing boards that demonstrate excellence in leadership or governance accountabilityand whose organizations are aligned with the Quality First principles.

Excellence in the Workplace Award
Recognizes organizations that demonstrate effectiveness in fostering and advancing a healthy workplace culture and an environment that promotes the recruitment, retention and development of staff at all levels of the organization.

Leading-Edge Care and Services Award
Recognizes organizations for programs and services that are models of innovation and excellence and that contribute significantly to the quality of life of the individuals served.

Hobart Jackson Cultural Diversity Award
Recognizes an individual or organization that has effected positive change through a significant commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion. The award is named for the late Hobart Jackson, an early officer of AAHSA and founder of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged.

Dr. Herbert Shore Outstanding Mentor Award
Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding abilities in one–on–one teaching, motivating, challenging and developing future leaders in the field of aging services. The award is named for the late Dr. Herbert Shore, an AAHSA founder, past president, Award of Honor recipient and well–known mentor.

Excellence in Research and Education Award
Recognizes ongoing commitment to quality in aging services through evidence–based research and dissemination of research findings through internal and external shared learning opportunities.

Public Trust Award
Recognizes an individual or organization that has advanced public trust and confidence in aging services through public service, collaboration, media or other efforts to educate consumers and help them make informed choices.

Outstanding Advocacy Award
Recognizes an individual or organization for advocating for aging services at the local, state or national level.