Public Policy Awards

ALFA 2013 Horace D'Angelo Jr. Memorial Award

Horace D'Angelo was a founder of ALFA, a long standing board member, and a board member of the Michigan Assisted Living Association. His vision was to support resident centered regulatory oversight through grassroots advocacy that included a strong national organization - ALFA - working jointly with ALFA state affiliates and chapters across the country. The ALFA Horace D'Angelo, Junior Memorial Award honors passionate advocates for seniors.

The 2013 award winner was President, East Division at Brookdale Senior Living, Mary Sue Patchett. Mary Sue was instrumental in creating ALFA’s new chapter, FLORIDA ALFA. Once it became clear that senior living providers needed a stronger voice in Florida, Mary Sue worked enthusiastically to rally support - both within her company and with other senior living providers - for ALFA's new chapter. She offered a space to meet when FLORIDA ALFA was too small to warrant its own office and unwavering support as the chapter grew. She worked closely with ALFA to develop an engaged, productive, and cohesive board of directors for the new chapter and will continue to lead as the first chair of FLORIDA ALFA.

"Mary Sue saw the value in having one unified voice in the state of Florida and was willing to do whatever was needed to make it happen," said President & CEO of Five Star Senior Living, Bruce Mackey as he presented the award on behalf of ALFA at the ALFA 2013 Conference & Expo. "She is a friend to ALFA, our industry, and the seniors we serve."