Bob Anderson, CEO of Horizon House, received the 2013 LeadingAge Award of Honor at the organization’s Washington chapter meeting in Vancouver on June 12, 2013. LeadingAge is a national advocacy, education, and research organization focused on expanding the world of possibilities for aging. The LeadingAge community includes 6,000 nonprofit organizations in the U.S., 39 state partners, and a global network of aging services providers that reach over 30 countries. The Award of Honor recipient is chosen based on:
- Outstanding leadership in creating the future of aging services and reinforcing the fundamental values of LeadingAge
- Imaginative leadership, exceptional service, and commitment to quality that advance both the association and the aging services industry
- Accomplishment of significant goals over a substantial period of time
- Cumulative, ongoing achievements and positive industry impact worthy of state and national recognition
Mr. Anderson has led Horizon House Senior Living, the “model urban community of choice, recognized as the leader in creative aging,” for the past 15 years. Highlighting some of the accomplishments that led to his award:
- Strategic expansion of Horizon House—razing an older facility and rebuilding in its place a 19-story residence tower and Wellness Center, while continuing operations for 500+ residents
- Development of an innovative, “aging in place” model, ranging from independent living through end-oflife care, known as Supported Living
- Establishment of Horizon Home Care, a separate nonprofit agency supporting residents of Horizon House and older adults in the larger community at a possible future date
- Development of a comprehensive onsite medical clinic operating seven days a week under the direction of a geriatrician, with full-time Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners and ancillary providers
- Implementation of the Leadership Development Program: providing ongoing education and strengthening of “servant leaders” among Horizon House management
- Nationally recognized work in pursuit of social justice with the Council for Health and Human Services Ministries of the United Church of Christ
- Founding of the Northwest Center for Creative Aging, a separate nonprofit organization whose programs enable adults to find new meaning in their lives as they age
- Collaborations between Horizon House and such partners as Virginia Mason Hospital, the Seattle City Council, the Freeway Park Association, KCTS , and the United Way Day of Caring, which benefit the entire community
Mr. Anderson presented at the 2010 LeadingAge Conference on Supported Living, and received the 2011 Excellence in the Workplace Award from Leading Age for the Horizon House Leadership Development Program.
He continues to lead Horizon House with passion and integrity, walking the talk and living the community values. Congratulations to a great leader and inspiration in the field of senior living!