2026 Honorees

Innovator Award

This award recognizes an organization that has created innovative solutions to improve the health and economic well-being 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. 

The Mustard Seed Project 

The Mustard Seed Project is a rural innovation model that helps older adults remain independent, connected, and secure in the place they call home. The project responds to systemic gaps that are common in rural regions, including transportation deserts, housing shortages, fragmented service delivery, and social isolation. Staff are guided by a simple principle—listen first. Programs respond to real needs, from transportation and nutrition to wellness, housing, and social connection. A coordinated, volunteer-driven network delivers practical support like rides and meals while strengthening relationships. The project is demonstrating how rural communities can build coordinated, equity-centered aging systems. 

Innovation in aging isn’t about building new systems—it’s about listening to the needs of the community, so every older adult can live with dignity, purpose, and a real sense of belonging.” — Eric Blegen, Chief Executive Officer 

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.

Thomas Coles-Reyes, Founder and CEO, Vet’s Place 

Thomas Coles-Reyes, 74, is a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran and advocate with over 52 years of service supporting veterans and older adults. He transformed his lived experience with homelessness, trauma, and poverty into a career dedicated to systemic change. As Founder and President of Vet’s Place, he developed one of Palm Beach County’s first permanent supportive housing programs for veterans. His work integrates housing stability, workforce development, mental health, digital literacy, and counseling in substance abuse and HIV/AIDS to help older adults age with dignity. Coles-Reyes builds pathways to independence, restores purpose through employment, and advocates for policy change. 

Every veteran and older adult deserves not just to survive, but to age with dignity, purpose, and the support to keep moving forward.” — Thomas Coles-Reyes, Founder and CEO, Vet’s Place 

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.

Kimberly Phillips, Director of Senior Citizen Services, Portage, Michigan 

Kim Phillips is a passionate advocate for senior centers. She helped raise $5.5 million to transform the Portage Zhang Senior Center into a state‑of‑the‑art community hub. Participation has grown by 175%, staff capacity has expanded, and the center serves as a model for modern aging services. Statewide, Phillips revitalized the Michigan Association of Senior Centers, strengthening governance, expanding membership, and creating a highly collaborative network. Her leadership established a public–private partnership that provides $150,000 annually in grant funding for Michigan senior centers. Nationally, Phillips contributes her expertise through NISC’s leadership collaborative and serves as a mentor for others nationwide.  

I love the work I do, but this recognition really belongs to the dedicated staff across our field who show up every day for older adults—it’s their commitment and innovation that make our success possible.” — Kim Phillips, Director of Senior Citizen Services, Portage, Michigan 

Champion Award

This award recognizes members of Congress or the administration for their leadership in protecting and improving public policy for older adults. It is in honor of Claude Pepper, a former U.S. representative and senator who was a vocal champion for older adults, sponsoring the Older Americans Act, urging passage of Medicare and Medicaid, and working to prevent elder abuse. 

Senator Marsha Blackburn 

Senator Blackburn is the first woman from Tennessee elected to the U.S. Senate. Serving on the Finance and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, she has championed bipartisan efforts to improve health care affordability for older Americans. In 2025, she co-introduced the bipartisan Senior Savings Protection Act, the first standalone, long-term reauthorization of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. The legislation would extend the program for five years, providing stability for benefits outreach and enrollment assistance that helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Senator Blackburn also co-sponsored the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act to extend Medicare coverage for obesity treatments. 

It is an honor to receive the National Council on Aging’s 2026 Champion Award, and I remain committed to working alongside NCOA to empower America’s seniors through policies like the Senior Savings Protection Act.” —Senator Marsha Blackburn 

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester 

Senator Blunt Rochester is the first woman and first person of color from Delaware elected to the U.S. Senate. She serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. The senator is a strong advocate for policies that improve health care access and affordability for older adults and low-income families. In 2025, she led introduction of the bipartisan Senior Savings Protection Act, the first standalone, long-term reauthorization of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. Senator Blunt Rochester also has introduced legislation to create a Senior Fraud Advisory Office and expand financial assistance for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. 

As long as I’ve been in Congress, I’ve been working to ensure older Americans can live their best lives—from improving access to housing and preventing scams and fraud to lowering health care costs and protecting Social Security and Medicare. I’m so grateful for this honor and look forward to continuing to work with NCOA in the years ahead.” —Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester 

 

Lifetime Achievement

This award recognizes an individual who has had a lifelong career of outstanding service to older adults. It is in honor of Ollie Randall, a pioneer in the field of aging who was the driving force behind the first White House Conference on Aging, the nation’s first senior center, and the founding of NCOA. 

Kathy Greenlee, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging 

Kathy Greenlee is a visionary leader who has spent her entire career standing up for older adults and the aging network. As U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging, she transformed services for older adults and people with disabilities by creating one federal agency—the Administration for Community Living—to advance their independence. Calling elder abuse “a moral outrage that erodes the humanity in all of us,” Greenlee has been a tireless champion for elder justice. 

She established the first federal home for state Adult Protective Services programs, created the National Indigenous Elder Justice Initiative, and advanced policies for LGBTQ+ individuals. Greenlee has left an indelible impact on aging in America. 

I am grateful for this recognition by NCOA and for the extraordinary people I have worked with during my career.” —Kathy Greenlee 

Check out our previous Trailblazers in Aging Award winners!