LeadingAge Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa Announce Plans to Merge to Significantly Increase Value to Members in Both States

LeadingAge Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa have announced plans to merge. The merger is expected to become effective November 1, 2024, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the final agreement. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both organizations, aimed at enhancing their ability to serve and support the individuals and organizations who serve older adults in the states of Illinois and Iowa.

Each association provides advocacy, education, and resources for aging services providers covering the full continuum of care. LeadingAge Illinois is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, serving members across the entire state of Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa, based in Urbandale, Iowa, serves providers
across Iowa. Both organizations provide regulatory support, government relations, education, resource development, research findings, and more.

“We are energized by the prospect of combining forces to enhance our membership value, strengthen our advocacy efforts, and drive innovation through this partnership,” said Julie Kaminski, Chair of LeadingAge Iowa Board of Directors. “This strategic decision will allow us to leverage our expertise and capital to advance both organizations forward during this time of change for our field.”

Nadim Abi-Antoun, Chair of the LeadingAge Illinois Board of Directors shared this sentiment, stating, "By uniting the strengths and resources of our two mission-driven organizations, we will create a stronger, more resilient association devoted to advancing excellence and quality throughout both states. It will position our members to better learn from each other, apply best standards in practice, and collaborate to achieve the next iteration of what will constitute senior care in the future.”

Through this partnership, LeadingAge Illinois will assume the role of the parent company. As current President and CEO of LeadingAge Illinois, Angela Schnepf, MBA, CAE will continue in this role with the merged organization. Current LeadingAge Iowa President and CEO, Shannon Strickler, announced her departure prior to the two groups deciding to merge.

Both associations will continue to operate in each state under their respective names and maintain their distinct voice and excellent level of services with no disruption. Combined, LeadingAge Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa serve over 400 senior living and services organizations and have a combined
history of 160 years of service. Both organizations share a mission of helping organizations thrive in aging services.

For more information about LeadingAge Illinois and LeadingAge Iowa, please visit their respective websites at leadingageil.org and leadingageiowa.org.