LATN 35th Anniversary Reflections

October 4, 2024

As our Association pauses to reflect on 35 years of support for aging services providers, so too are our previous Executive Directors reflecting on their time with LeadingAge Tennessee. These leaders were instrumental in developing and nurturing partnerships, giving LeadingAge Tennessee (formerly TNAHSA) the necessary momentum and guidance to continue serving the providers, residents, and caregivers of our great state.

James Vandiver shares his thoughts about his time in the director seat:

LOOKING BACK ON 35 YEARS
REFLECTIONS

What was your most impactful moment or experience as a LeadingAge Tennessee executive director?

I came to the executive director role at a critical time. The very capable Doug Pace and his assistant had just exited their roles with TNAHSA, and I came in to the role during a tough time in the organization’s history. I felt that my role was to provide continuity and move initiatives forward and try to continue some of the great work that Doug had done.

Working with members can be so rewarding. Can you share a special member memory or highlight?

While I enjoyed working with membership, it was the Board members who I enjoyed the most connection with. These colleagues really helped guide the decisions from a place of integrity and I had the pleasure of getting to know them better.

At that time we also enjoyed great support from people like lobbyist Anne Carr and her firm, from the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) where our offices were housed, and from the National Association and leaders like Larry Minnix who was an outstanding person and who was a great support to the Association and to me as Executive Director.

When you considered the future of LeadingAge Tennessee during your tenure, what did you imagine it would be?

I think my goals for the Association then were much of what it still is today — to grow membership, have a strong advocacy voice nationally and at the state level, and to provide education that’s needed for providers to do their job well and support their staff so that they can serve their residents to the best of their ability.

What are you most proud of during your work with LeadingAge Tennessee?

There were a couple of issues that National wanted to be front and center in Tennessee for membership. Part of that agenda was that they were focused on putting together work on patient safety. I was part of those conversations and achieved many of their end goals. I feel good that I contributed to the betterment of aging. Although I didn’t do as much lobbying as my predecessor, I feel that I was able to have key conversations to sustain the Association and contribute in that way.

PLENARY SESSION +
STATE NIGHT OUT

The LeadingAge TN Plenary Session will have something for everyone! We are packing some very special moments into our time together on Monday, October 28, 4:00-7:00, at The Omni. Our state-specific session, from 4:00-5:30, will include our LATN Annual Business Meeting, featuring uplifting words from LeadingAge Board Chair Roberto Muñiz, updates from the Health Facilities Commission, and exciting presentations from our inaugural Leadership Academy.