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May 28, 2025, Arlington, VA—The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, is celebrating the outstanding contributions of two individuals and two organizations working to help older adults stay healthy and independent. The four honorees will receive Trailblazers in Aging Awards at NCOA’s Age+Action Conference, May 28-30 in Arlington, Virginia.

“Every day, these individuals and organizations are solving challenges and providing vital programs that ensure every American can age with dignity,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO.

From fighting ageism to connecting medical and social services and promoting digital literacy, they are shining examples of the power of partnerships within the aging services network. We are proud to spotlight their incredible service.”

The 2025 NCOA Trailblazers in Aging are sponsored by Cumulus. Below are honorees by category.

Innovator Award

Recognizes an organization that has created innovative solutions to improve the health and economic security of older adults in the community.

Maine Council on Aging (MCOA)

MCOA leads the nation’s first statewide movement to end ageism, with a focus on employment. The council also is building a robust direct care workforce and partnering with a regional supermarket to improve older adults’ access to food and social connection. Thanks to MCOA’s advocacy, 45,000 older Mainers now have access to a benefit that will save them an average of $7,300 a year in Medicare costs. The council is known as a creative and strategic partner across the Northeast.

“Our team is so honored to be recognized for our work to eradicate ageism, build an infrastructure that supports healthy aging, and secure economic justice for older people,” said Jess Maurer, MCOA Executive Director.

Change Agent Award

Recognizes an individual or organization working to ensure that every person has the resources to age well.

June Simmons, President and CEO, Partners in Care Foundation

Simmons has dedicated her career to transforming how communities address the needs of older adults. She has pioneered innovative, scalable models that integrate medical care with social services—helping older Americans age with dignity in the settings of their choice. With a California health care system, Partners in Care achieved a 50% reduction in hospital readmissions for high-risk populations—one of the most successful such initiatives in the country. Simmons’ relentless, forward-thinking approach has set new standards in the field.

“It is a great honor to work with so many outstanding national leaders to build new systems that advance aligning social care and health care to improve people’s lives,” Simmons said.

National Institutes of Senior Centers (NISC) Founders Award

Recognizes exemplary and long-standing service to the senior center field.

Tori Strawter-Tanks, Director, Clayton County Senior Services

Strawter-Tanks is a forward-thinking leader who has transformed Clayton County Senior Services into a model of excellence. She implemented the agency’s first strategic plan, and under her leadership, three senior centers achieved national accreditation. In addition to spearheading creative programming for older adults, Strawter-Tanks empowers her team through mentorship, staff development, passion, and creativity, which inspires future leaders. Statewide, she is leading the establishment of the Georgia Association of Senior Centers, uniting aging professionals to elevate services for older adults.

“We’re not passing time; we’re living with purpose,” Strawter-Tanks said. “Senior centers are where active aging thrives.”

Public-Private Partnership Award

Recognizes organizations that have established powerful partnerships that build bridges between the public and private sectors to empower every person to age well.

AT&T

AT&T and NCOA are partnering to enhance digital literacy among hard-to-reach older adults. Together, the organizations have reached over 10,000 older adults with tailored, self-paced education in person and online. Older adults have learned digital basics, such as how to send and receive email and set up a social media account—as well as internet safety to empower them to avoid scams. Through the shared learning opportunities, older adults also have increased their social interaction and built a community of support.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NCOA and privileged to partner with them in empowering older adults to navigate today’s digital world with confidence,” said Mylayna Albright, AVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T.

By helping older adults harness the power of technology, we aim to support their ability to stay connected, access vital resources, and enhance their quality of life as they age.”

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more by following us at @NCOAging.