AAHSA Awards Categories

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.
  • Individuals whose organizations are AAHSA members are eligible for this award.
  • Nominee has provided imaginative leadership and exceptional service to AAHSA and the state association (in states where one is formally organized).
  • Nominee has accomplished significant goals over a period of time.
  • Nominee’s cumulative achievements are notable and worthy of national recognition.
  • Past chairs of the association are eligible only after they have been out of office for two years and have demonstrated a continuing commitment to the field.

Excellence in Leadership Award
Recognizes individuals and governing boards that demonstrate excellence in leadership or governance accountability and whose organizations are aligned with the Quality First principles.
  • Individuals (CEO, trustee, other) or governing boards of AAHSA member organizations are eligible for this award.
  • The nominee has provided recognizable leadership worthy of national recognition.
  • The nominee advances principles of responsible stewardship, financial integrity and fund development.
  • The nominee engages in integrated strategic planning in collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure the organization’s future success in meeting community needs.
  • The nominee has fostered growth and change through understanding the aging-services environment.
  • The nominee’s accomplishments demonstrate a significant contribution to the well-being of persons served.

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.
  • AAHSA member organizations are eligible for this award.
  • Nominee demonstrates, in policy and practice, that investing in the staff and workplace environment are critical to the delivery of quality care and services.
  • Nominee demonstrates innovation in workforce development, policies and practices.
  • Nominee ensures that all levels of staff obtain training.
  • Nominee values and promotes diversity in the workforce.
  • Nominee regularly assesses staff satisfaction and acts on the results.
  • Nominee shows noteworthy achievement in staff retention, as evidenced by longevity and professional growth of employees.

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.
  • AAHSA member organizations are eligible for this award.
  • The program of care or service emphasizes quality of life for the individuals served or significantly improves the aging-services organization’s operations.
  • The program of care or service provides proven benefits to the residents, clients or organization.
  • The program of care or service has potential for application to the needs of other aging-services organizations.
  • The program of care or service has been in actual operation for two or more years (not counting planning time).

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.
  • An AAHSA member organization, or individual associated with one, is eligible for this award.
  • The nominee demonstrates significant achievement in cultural diversity and inclusion with respect to residents, staff and in developing future leaders.
  • The contribution is noteworthy and innovative.
  • The nominee can demonstrate positive change within the aging-services organization in advancing the interests of a diverse population.

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.
  • An individual associated with an AAHSA member organization is eligible for this award.
  • The mentor is nominated by individual(s) or organization with close knowledge of his or her accomplishments as a mentor.
  • The nomination reflects that the mentor has engaged his or her protégés in AAHSA and the state association (where one is formally organized) and fostered their leadership development.
  • The submission shows the extent of the nominee’s impact as a mentor and is strengthened by testimonials from one or more protégés.
  • The submission indicates accomplishments of the protégé(s) that have been influenced by the mentor.

Excellence in Research and Education
Recognizes ongoing commitment to quality in aging services through evidence-based research and dissemination of research findings through internal and external shared learning opportunities.
  • AAHSA member or nonmember individuals or organizations are eligible for this award.
  • Nominee demonstrates commitment to “giving back” to the field by sharing research findings and innovative practices with peers.
  • Nominee creates opportunities for professionals and organizations to learn from one another.
  • Nominee utilizes continuing education to encourage creativity and innovation in care and services.

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.
  • AAHSA member or nonmember individuals and organizations, including the media, are eligible for this award.
  • Nominee has furthered public understanding of the continuum of aging services and support for positive change.
  • Nominee conveys information to consumers and/or policymakers about quality of care and quality of life in aging services.
  • Nominee’s efforts are noteworthy and merit national recognition.
  • Nomination includes breadth and scope of public impact and community benefit.

Outstanding Advocacy Award
Recognizes an individual or organization for advocating for aging services at the local, state or national level.
  • AAHSA member or nonmember individuals and organizations are eligible for this award.
  • Nominee has advocated and actively encouraged others to advocate on aging-services issues with local, state or national policy makers and/or the media.
  • Nominee has provided support and information on strategies that individuals can use to advocate for aging issues.
  • Nominee has organized other persons or groups to advocate for positive change.

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
2519 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
phone 202.783.2242, fax 202.783.2255