LeadingAge history

What began in 1967 as a segment of the Minnesota Hospital Association has evolved to become one of the nation’s leading organizations on issues of aging.

On December 2, 1968 fourteen individuals representing not-for-profit homes for the aging from across Missouri met in Columbia to discuss the need for and purpose of a Missouri State Association of Homes for the Aging.

On May 15, 1969 the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging was incorporated in the State of Missouri as a general not-for-profit corporation.

1979 CGC changes name to Minnesota Association of Homes for the Aging (MAHA).

1984 MAHA adopts first strategic plan, including new bylaws and a new membership category for housing; current membership is 186.

1985 Housing Committee formed to structure the new membership category and first housing members join.

1989 MAHA and MHA have separate Presidents, with Gayle Kvenvold named as MAHA President & CEO; MAHA Service Corporation Board holds first meeting.

1992 As MAHA celebrates its 25th Anniversary, membership has grown to approximately 240 nursing homes and 145 housing members.

1993 First state-wide annual education series for LTC Nursing Directors/Leadership Symposium initiated.

Mary Brinkley was hired as Executive Director in October 1995, in order to provide greater member services through educational seminars, public policy updates, and increased exposure of the important role of the not-for-profit provider.

1999 Aging Services of Minnesota co-founded The Long-Term Care Imperative - a collaborative effort with Care Providers of Minnesota to advance one shared public policy vision for older adult services in Minnesota.

2001 Alliance Purchasing first established as a joint venture with CareChoice.

2003 Establish formal relationship with Minnesota HomeCare Association to provide members with reciprocal benefits.

2005 Confident Choices for Senior Living was created as a statewide quality initiative to tie together elements of our Quality in Action and to signal to consumers they could trust in the services being provided.

The AAHSA board had a similar realization in 2008.

2009 MSC changes name to Aging Services Group.

2010 Our national affiliate, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) changes name and rebrands as LeadingAge.

On January 25, 2011, the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging became LeadingAge Missouri.

2013 Won MSAE award for Confident Choices for Senior Living Program.

2016 Received $3 million in grant funding to fund innovative approaches to address workforce shortages and ensure quality care for aging Minnesotans.

In 2018, LeadingAge donated the Heritage collection to nonprofit affordable senior housing residents in the Bay Area.

The 2020 OAM theme is Make Your Mark, which encourages older adults and their communities to celebrate the countless contributions that older adults make to our country.