OUR AWARDS

THE DIRECT IMPACT AWARD (formerly the Dan Hickman Award) 

This award honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in direct service to older adults or adults with disabilities. The recipient demonstrates leadership in their field through outstanding hands-on care or service.  They are recognized not only for their skill and dedication, but also for the spirit, integrity, and passion they consistently bring to their work and to the profession as a whole. 

• • ELIGIBILITY – A professional or volunteer in any field who provides care directly to older adults
  • CRITERIA – Demonstrates consistent delivery of high-quality and person-centered care or service, going above and beyond their regular duties to support clients or colleagues; exhibits professionalism; shows initiative in addressing challenges or improving service delivery; makes a measurable or meaningful difference in the lives of those whom they serve or their profession as a whole.

THE PUBLIC SERVICE CHAMPION FOR AGING AWARD (formerly the David Levine Legislative Award)

This award recognizes elected officials whose efforts have significantly contributed to shaping public policy, securing critical resources, and championing the rights and dignity of aging populations.

• • ELIGIBILITY – Elected officials (including municipal, county, state, and federal officials, such as legislators, mayors, district attorneys, sheriffs, etc.)
  • CRITERIA – Demonstrates unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and outstanding advocacy in matters affecting older adults; has a record of sponsoring or supporting aging legislation, initiatives, or programs; sustains engagement with aging-related issues; listens to persons with lived experience and endeavors to seek their input and direction; collaborates with community and professional stakeholders; exemplifies the highest standards of public stewardship; reflects a deep dedication to creating a more inclusive, age-friendly society

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL IN AGING AWARD

(formerly the Elsie Alvis Award) 

This award honors a professional in gerontology or aging who displays excellence in their field. 

• • ELIGIBILITY – Minimum of 10 years in gerontology or aging
  • CRITERIA – Contributes significantly to the advancement of knowledge, policy, or practice of gerontology or aging fields; introduces innovative programs, research, services, or policy initiatives; holds leadership roles within professional organizations, advocacy efforts, or interdisciplinary collaborations; translates research into real-world applications; addresses disparities among aging populations, including marginalized or underserved communities; mentors others; shows ethical integrity, empathy, and person-centered values in professional practice; uses multidisciplinary approaches to improve services raise awareness  

THE PIONEER IN POSITIVE AGING AWARD

(formerly the John Tyler Mauldin Award)

This award recognizes an older adult whose lived experience and career exemplify the powerful role of older adults in shaping the future of aging.  

• • ELIGIBILITY – An older adult 
  • CRITERIA – Makes or made an outstanding contribution to gerontology or aging fields; makes or made tangible improvements in the lives of older adults; amplifies or amplified the voice of older adults in decision-making and research; prepares or prepared new leaders through mentoring, educating, or other career development support; empowers or empowered other older adults as a source of inspiration for positive aging; whether through continued employment, volunteer work, or other efforts, continues to hold a powerful role in shaping the future of aging.

THE CHANGE AGENT AWARD (formerly the Kay Hind Award)

This award honors an individual who is a driving force in creating change that improves the lives of older adults in Georgia. 

• • ELIGIBILITY – Anyone who makes a powerful impact on the lives of older adults through exacting change 
  • CRITERIA/CHARACTERISTICS – Expresses a clear and inspiring vision for improving the lives of older adults; identifies and addresses unmet needs or systemic gaps; maintains a long-term commitment to change, even in the face of obstacles; promotes equity and challenges ageism in systems, policy, or practice; fosters collective impact by engaging diverse stakeholders; achieves measurable or visible improvements in the quality of life of older adults

THE EDUCATOR AURORA AWARD

(formerly the Marietta Suhart Award)

This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to educating those who work with older adults.

• • ELIGIBILITY – Anyone providing training, education, career development, or programming in gerontology and aging fields 
  • CRITERIA – Exemplifies proven leadership and vision in the field of gerontology, as evidenced by the development or expansion of impactful educational and training programs; shows sustained dedication to advancing the careers of professionals and paraprofessionals through high-quality instruction and opportunities for professional growth; possess the ability to effectively communicate knowledge in a manner that both educates and inspires, leaving a meaningful and lasting impression on learners, touching their hearts and minds; supports and shapes the field of aging services through education that fosters excellence, compassion, and innovation.