In this episode of Voices in Leadership, the mic turns to host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, as she’s interviewed by her husband, Todd Andrews, COO of Asbury Communities. Melissa reflects on her path into aging services—from an unexpected start at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale to a 14-year tenure at LeadingAge National—and the mentors who helped shape her leadership along the way. She shares how LeadingAge Virginia has evolved to represent a broader continuum of care, with a growing focus on community-based services, workforce development, and the people behind the mission. The conversation also explores her passion for mentoring, building career pathways, and investing in future leaders. Looking ahead, Melissa outlines her vision for the next five years, including building momentum around a multi-sector plan on aging and advancing long-term services and supports reform in Virginia.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, sits down with Curtis Jennings of SFCS to explore innovation, leadership, and the future of senior living design. Curtis shares his journey into the field, shaped by family legacy and a lifelong passion for architecture, before diving into how creativity and mentorship drive both his leadership approach and the firm’s culture. The conversation highlights SFCS’s long-standing commitment to innovation, including its By Design Conference and its partnership with Virginia Tech, where students collaborate with senior living communities to design real-world solutions that enhance resident engagement and connection. Curtis and Melissa also discuss emerging trends such as repurposing existing buildings, planning for future generations of residents, and balancing the needs of current residents with long-term strategic vision. Throughout the episode, Curtis emphasizes the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and resident involvement in the design process, while offering a candid look at the challenges ahead—including meeting growing demand for senior living. Ultimately, the conversation underscores how thoughtful design, creative thinking, and strong partnerships can shape more responsive and sustainable communities for the future.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of Voices and Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, brings together two generations of leaders shaping the future of aging services. Tracey Jennings, Chief Operations Officer at LifeSpire of Virginia and chair of the LeadingAge Virginia board, reflects on her unexpected journey into senior living leadership and the mentors who helped shape her path. Julia Cook, a LeadingAge Virginia intern and graduate student preparing to join the LifeSpire team, shares her intentional entry into the field and what inspires emerging professionals to pursue careers in aging services. Together, they explore mentorship, the evolving role of women in leadership, strategies for attracting younger talent, and how programs like Administrator in Training (AIT) are preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.