Wartburg Hosts LeadingAge New York Graduation Ceremony

Mount Vernon, NY, January 29, 2014 -- LeadingAge New York, the state’s premier association of aging services organizations, graduated 22 fellows from its prestigious, year-long Leadership Academy during a recent ceremony held at Wartburg, a senior services provider located in Mount Vernon, NY.   

The fellows, from across the state, were visiting the Wartburg campus on an official site visit to observe innovative programs in aging, an activity which is part of the Academy’s rigorous year long curriculum.  Two of the Academy graduates this year are from Wartburg -- John Schuster, Director of Admissions and Michaela Byrnes, Director of Recreation.

The academy program provides a challenging learning environment – including assigned readings, discussions (called study circles), site visits and other activities --that enhances the leadership capacity of aging-services professionals so they are better equipped to serve the aging-services field.

“I am so pleased that Wartburg hosted the final leg of their year-long fellowship journey.  This highly-regarded Academy will facilitate the development and growth of the next generation of senior living leaders in our state.” said David Gentner, President and CEO of Wartburg.

Loren  Raneletta, President & CEO of Episcopal Senior Life and the LeadingAge Board Chair, offered observations and congratulations to the class.  “Don’t be shy about sharing your experiences with this program.  We look forward to watching you grow in your careers….this is only the beginning of your journey.”

LeadingAge NY represents not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.  Founded in 1961, its 600 members employ 150,000 professionals serving more than 500,000 New Yorkers annually.

Wartburg is an award-winning provider of comprehensive senior services, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and hospice care. Its 34-acre campus in Mount Vernon serves seniors and their families in southern Westchester and the northern Bronx.  Wartburg’s nursing home has been recognized by “U. S. News & World Report” as among the best nursing homes in New York State.  Over the past few years, Wartburg has launched an ambitious building expansion program, including the Friedrichs Residence, with 61 independent living apartments, and a rehabilitation and adult day services center, both opened in 2013.