10/29/2026
Great leaders never stop learning.
That’s one of the many reasons we’re so proud to celebrate Jill Haiser as a graduate of the LeadingAge Larry Minnix Leadership Academy.
Over the past year, Jill has joined leaders from across the country in an experience designed to challenge perspectives, inspire new ideas and create space for meaningful reflection about leadership and service. This week in Philadelphia, that journey reached an important milestone as Jill and her fellow Academy participants celebrated their graduation during the LeadingAge Annual Meeting.
But an experience like this is about much more than graduation. It’s about what you discover along the way and what you carry forward. The best way to understand it is to read Jill's reflection on what the experience has meant to her:
"As I officially graduate from the LeadingAge Larry Minnix Leadership Academy, I find myself struggling to put into words just how much this journey has meant to me.
This year has been about so much more than leadership development. It has been about perspective, purpose, growth and reimagining what is possible. Learning alongside extraordinary leaders from across the country, traveling to different states and immersing ourselves in the challenges and opportunities shaping our field has been both humbling and inspiring.
This experience came at exactly the right moment in my life. Sometimes, you need the space and the right experiences to challenge your thinking and help you reimagine what comes next. This academy gave me that — and so much more.
I am incredibly grateful to Wellspring Lutheran Services and our CEO, David Gehm, for investing in me and making this opportunity possible. I am equally thankful for my exceptional coach, Carol Silver-Elliott, whose wisdom, encouragement and guidance have shaped me in ways I will carry well beyond this year.
It was an honor to represent LeadingAge Michigan throughout this experience. But… the greatest gift has been the people. What began as a network of leaders has become a community of friends who feel more like extended family — people who challenge, encourage, inspire and remind me why this work matters so deeply.
As this chapter closes, I leave with more than new knowledge and a stronger leadership perspective. I leave with renewed purpose and an even deeper commitment to the people and communities we serve.
The academy may be over, but the leadership journey is only beginning.
Forever grateful for this experience and excited for what comes next."
“The Larry Minnix Leadership Academy of LeadingAge was created to allow emerging leaders to grow and expand their impact on the field. Jill has demonstrated that impact, and her involvement in this program has accelerated what we’ve already seen: a passion for people and a deep commitment to assuring seniors and families are engaged and supported. I couldn’t be prouder of her work and her leadership, and I look forward to seeing her impact in the years to come!”
– Dave Gehm, President & CEO, Wellspring Lutheran Services
We’re so proud of Jill and grateful that she chooses to bring her curiosity, perspective and commitment to serving others back to Wellspring every day.
Congratulations, Jill!
