Connecting with Melissa Andrews on Leading with Compassion

VSAE ConneXions

In this episode, we chat with Melissa Andrews, president and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, about her unique journey from art history major to a prominent leader in aging services. Melissa reflects on her early career as an assistant curator at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, NY, and how it shaped her passion for serving older adults. She discusses the evolving landscape of aging services, addressing workforce and regulatory challenges, and highlights efforts to develop future leaders through programs like the Leadership Academy. Melissa also shares insights into her leadership style, rooted in humor and compassion, and emphasizes the importance of embracing change to drive organizational growth.

VSAE onneXions is produced by Association Briefings.

Show notes

Melissa Andrews joined the LeadingAge Virginia staff as President & CEO in 2016. Melissa leads the overall affairs of the association and foundation, working closely with the Boards of Directors to advance the missions and elevate the conversation about aging in the Commonwealth ultimately impacting elders’ lived experience through policy and systems change, direct service expansion, and regulatory reform.

Melissa also serves as President & CEO of PositiveAge, a LeadingAge Virginia foundation, transforming the aging experience in Virginia by securing funds to build coalitions and develop innovative solutions to promote positive aging.

Prior to joining the LeadingAge Virginia team, Melissa spent 14 years at LeadingAge (national) developing her expertise in not for profit board governance and strategic planning.

Melissa was a class of 2010 LeadingAge Larry Minnix Leadership Academy fellow, holds the BoardSource© Certificate of Nonprofit Board Education, and in 2013, Melissa received The Coalition for Leadership in Aging Services’ Certified Aging Services Professional national certification. She is also a Dementia Friends Virginia Master Trainer.