Two LeadingAge state affiliates are merging in an effort to strengthen advocacy efforts and drive innovation while maintaining their distinct voices.
LeadingAge Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa announced their partnership on Wednesday, saying that it will become effective Nov. 1. The associations will continue to operate in each state under their respective names, but LeadingAge Illinois will assume the role of parent company.
LeadingAge Illinois President and CEO Angela Schnepf will retain her titles with the merged organizations. LeadingAge Iowa President and CEO Shannon Strickler announced her departure prior to the partnership agreement.
Combined, the two associations will serve more than 400 senior living and services organizations; they have a combined history of 160 years. Both organizations provide regulatory support, government relations, education, resource development, research and more to members.
“By uniting the strengths and resources of our two mission-driven organizations, we will create a stronger, more resilient association devoted to advancing excellence and quality throughout both states,” LeadingAge Illinois Board of Directors Chair Nadim Abi-Antoun said in a statement. “It will position our members to better learn from each other, apply best standards in practice, and collaborate to achieve the next iteration of what will constitute senior care in the future.”
LeadingAge Iowa Board of Directors Chair Julie Kaminski said that her organization is “energized” by the prospect of combining forces to “enhance our membership value, strengthen our advocacy efforts and drive innovation through this partnership.”
“This strategic decision will allow us to leverage our expertise and capital to advance both organizations forward during this time of change for our field,” Kaminski said in a statement.
