2025 Honorees

Innovator Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization who has created innovative solutions to improve the health and economic security of older adults in the community.  It is in honor of Jack Ossofsky, a former NCOA president who launched numerous successful programs and promoted the true promises of an aging society.

Maine Council on Aging

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. Executive Director Jess Maurer said, 

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 who experienced historical marginalization.”

Change Agent Award

This award recognizes an individual or organization working to ensure that every person has the resources to age well. It is in honor of Frankie Freeman, a civil rights attorney and former NCOA Board member who was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

June Simmons, President and CEO, Partners in Care Foundation

June 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. June’s 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.” - June Simmons, President & CEO, Partners in Care Foundation

NISC Founders Award

This award recognizes exemplary and long-standing service to the senior center field. It is in honor of the nine founders of NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers.

Tori Strawter-Tanks, Director, Clayton County Senior Services

Tori 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, Tori 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. Senior centers are where active aging thrives.” - Tori Strawter-Tanks, Director, Clayton County Senior Services

 

Public Private Partnership Award

This award recognizes organizations that have established powerful partnerships that build bridges between the public and private sectors to empower every person to age well. It is in honor of Arthur Flemming, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Eisenhower, U.S. Commissioner on Aging under President Nixon, recipient of two Presidential Medals of Freedom, and a tireless advocate for older adults.

AT&T

AT&T and NCOA are partnering to enhance digital literacy among hard-to-reach older adults. Together, we 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.”

 

Check out our previous Trailblazers in Aging Award winners!