Training the Next Generation of Gerontological Leadership: Who and How?

Saturday, November 5, 2022

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET

Location: 201 CC

CE: 1.5

Chair(s)

Neil Charness, PhD

William G. Chase Professor of Psychology
Psychology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, United States

Slides

Co-Chair(s)

Patricia Heyn, PhD, FGSA, FACRM

Founding Director
Center for Optimal Aging
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
Fairfax Station, Virginia, United States

Discussant(s)

James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH

Chief Executive Officer
Executive Office
The Gerontological Society of America
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

Neil Charness, PhD

William G. Chase Professor of Psychology
Psychology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, United States

Slides
Patricia Heyn, PhD, FGSA, FACRM

Founding Director
Center for Optimal Aging
Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
Fairfax Station, Virginia, United States
Peter Lichtenberg, PhD, FGSA

Professor and Director
Institute of Gerontology
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, United States

Slides
Patricia D'Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP

Vice President, Policy & Professional Affairs
Policy and Professional Affairs
The Gerontological Society of America
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Handouts

Knowing how to train the next generation of gerontological leaders involves understanding where we are now and where we want to be in the coming decades. We outline the results of a survey of the membership of Directors of Aging Centers. The Directors of Aging Centers interest group in GSA has representation from the USA, Canada, and Europe. A survey was sent to the membership in late December with reminders in January and had 31 respondents. We discuss the results of the survey, highlighting the demographics of the current leadership (Neil Charness), perceived need for training by current leaders (Peter Lichtenberg), and consensus content of leadership training programs (Patricia Heyn). Patricia D’Antonio provides a perspective on GSA’s approach to professional development programs and avenues for soliciting funding for leadership training. Our discussant (James Appleby, CEO of GSA) will reflect on the need for training in the context of building the next generation of gerontological leadership. We plan to devote significant symposium time to solicit audience input on next steps for supporting the effort to improve the quantity, quality, and diversity of the gerontological leadership workforce.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this session, participants will be able to describe the demographic characteristics of current directors of aging centers.
After attending the session, participants will be able to identify perceived gaps and opportunities for leadership training
After attending this session, participants will be able to identify and rank the importance of content areas for leadership training

Presentations:

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET

Characteristics of Leaders of Aging Centers
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Neil Charness, PhD – Florida State University
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET

GSA R13 Diversity Workshop: The Career Journey of a Thousand Experiences Begins with One Step
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Patricia C. Heyn, PhD, FGSA, FACRM – Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET

What Leadership Skills Are Needed to Direct Gerontology Program: Survey Results from Leaders Across the Country
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Peter A. Lichtenberg, PhD, FGSA – Wayne State University
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET

GSA Activities to Support Career Development: Relevance to Directors of Aging Centers
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Patricia M. D'Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP – The Gerontological Society of America