LeadingAge Honors Pamela Garofolo With Inaugural Leadership Award

WASHINGTON—LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, honored Pamela Garofolo​​​​, corporate director of Tapestries at member organization United Methodist Communities (UMC), Neptune, NJ, as the recipient of its Leadership Award. Roberto Muniz, LeadingAge board chair and president and CEO of Parker Health Group, announced the news this morning during the general session of the association’s annual Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. 

New this year, the LeadingAge Leadership Award recognizes a leader at any level within a member organization and is presented to an individual whose unique leadership attributes have made a significant difference in their organization or local community. Garofolo’s demonstrated commitment to creating and executing innovative care approaches for older adults living with memory loss, coupled with her contributions to UMC’s culture change programming and promotion of a ‘culture of engagement’ among all of the organization’s staff and residents resonated with the award judges. Read more about her work and contributions.

“From her ability to develop and implement programs and processes that promote independence among older adults living with dementia to her unflagging commitment to developing the talents and abilities of staff throughout UMC, Pam Garofolo embodies the values and principles of mission-driven leadership,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge. “And through her enthusiasm for and genuine engagement in the work of memory care, she has a powerful impact within and beyond the UMC community. We’re thrilled that she is this award’s first-ever recipient.” 

“Pam has an unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve,” said UMC President and CEO Mark Lenhard. “Additionally, her innovative approach and passion for education has fostered a nurturing environment for our teammates, equipping them to serve those in need with grace and dignity.  All of UMC is grateful for Pam’s stewardship of our ministry’s goal to promote abundant living.”