2012 ALFA Heroes and Champions of Senior Living Fly-In

On September 12, 2012, twelve exemplary senior living professionals gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with their U.S. Senators and Representatives as a part of the 2012 ALFA Heroes and Champions of Senior Living Fly-In. Participants discussed their personal experiences with senior living and advocated on behalf of senior living residents across the country.

Each participant is a 2012 ALFA Hero Award winner or a 2012 ALFA Champion of Senior Living. They serve as representatives for the thousands of senior living professionals who go above and beyond their formal job descriptions to make a difference in the lives of seniors every day.

The ALFA Heroes and Champions of Senior Living Fly-In supports ALFA’s larger advocacy efforts by educating lawmakers about the benefits of senior living, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Yesterday, the participants attended an orientation preparing them for today’s meetings and a celebratory dinner honoring their accomplishments. Participants include:

• Maria Acampora, Benchmark Senior Living
  
  
• Deb Capwell, Country Meadows Retirement Communities
  
  
• Ruth Cornwall, Country Meadows Retirement Communities
  
  
• Amy Daley, Country Meadows Retirement Communities
  
  
• Ijeoma Egerue, Five Star Senior Living (video to the right)
  
  
• Tara Graham, Benchmark Senior Living
  
  
• Lynne Harrison, Benchmark Senior Living
  
  
• Obdulia Hernandez, Senior Lifestyle Corporation
  
  
• Kelly Mazza, Benchmark Senior Living (video to the right)
  
  
• Netsanet Metaferria, Silverado Senior Living
  
  
• Jackie Robertson, Emeritus Senior Living (video to the right)
  
  
• Gabriel Valencia, Brookdale Senior Living (video to the right)

The ALFA heroes and champions of senior living awards honor senior living professionals who dedicate their lives to serving older adults. Each winner demonstrates a passion for service and personifies the resident-centered philosophy embraced by senior living communities across the country. More information about these awards is available at alfa.org/hero.

“The professionals honored as ALFA Hero Award winners or ALFA Champions of Senior Living work directly with frail elderly adults every day,” said ALFA President & CEO Richard P. Grimes. “They see firsthand the benefits of senior living and demonstrate a hard working passion that is truly inspirational. These are ideal advocates for the senior living business. They have meaningful stories to tell legislators about the good work of senior living professionals across the country.”

Justin Worrell 
Assistant Director of Government Affairs
703-562-1178
jworrell@alfa.org