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

• Without a doubt my first convention and trade show. I was the first full-time Executive Director and began the first office, albeit small and space limited. The Board believed for greater, bigger, and overall more visibility for the association. So aside from my part-time assistant having a family emergency and leaving me with all the final meeting details the week of the convention, I’ll never forget the goals met, the success of the highest number of vendors thus far at this meeting. Due to the Board’s vision, it was a huge leap forward.

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

• The Board and membership were relatively few, but highly committed. It was a joy to work for them. Mary Anna Womeldorf had been and continued to be my mentor. She worked tirelessly in her commitment to the Association. I have now worked in our industry 40+ years, none of which would have been possible without her leadership and opening doors. I have very fond memories of leaders in the then Tennessee Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (TNAHSA) and the selfless, supportive, and amazing work in the non-profit community.

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

• More of all things. Growth in membership, more influence in member communities, and more presence and impact legislatively.  

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

• The positioning the Board and leaders accomplished paved the way for a broader definition of the association including community-based services for seniors and investing in new generations of Long-term Care leaders.  

Contact Info:

Gwyn E. Earl

Executive Director

[email protected]

P.O. Box 14638

Knoxville, TN 37914

865.748.4932