Jessie Bosshard Graduates from the Larry Minnix Leadership Academy

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate our Executive Director, Jessie Bosshard, for completing the National LeadingAge Larry Minnix Leadership Academy — a prestigious yearlong program that brings together leaders from across the country who share a deep commitment to advancing aging services.

During her graduation celebration, a familiar image appeared on the big screen — a photo from our April 2025 Open House, when Jessie and the Givens Home First team gathered to celebrate our new office space and continued program growth. It was a meaningful reminder of how far our program has come and the passion that drives our work every day.

This weekend, the 2025 Leadership Academy cohort gathered in Boston during the LeadingAge National Conference, beginning with the inspiring SPARK event. Fellows shared their Action Learning Projects and celebrated a transformative year of growth, connection, and purpose alongside Academy alumni, family, and friends. We’re proud that seven fellows represented North Carolina this year (back row, left to right):

Rashad Wilson – The Forest at Duke, Richard Foor – Givens Communities, Sarah Marr – Ardenwoods Retirement Community, Lisa Shine – The Sharon at SouthPark, Jessie Bosshard – Givens Home First, Dee James – Tryon Estates – Acts Retirement, Jennifer Gill – LeadingAge North Carolina.

Stay tuned – their Action Learning Projects will be featured soon on the LeadingAge National website, highlighting creative solutions and forward-thinking ideas shaping the future of aging well.