Massachusetts Assisted Living Assoc. Honors Senate President Karen Spilka at Conference

NEWTON — The Massachusetts Assisted Living Assoc. (Mass-ALA) hosted its statewide 2025 annual conference, “Cultivating Trust, Compassion, and Community,” on Oct. 30 at the Boston Marriott Newton. The event drew more than 300 attendees and featured a sold-out trade show showcasing innovative products, services, and solutions that support assisted living communities across the Commonwealth.

The conference honored Senate President Karen Spilka, who was honored as Mass-ALA’s 2025 Policymaker of the Year in recognition of her longstanding leadership on mental and behavioral health initiatives and her advocacy for older adults in Massachusetts.

“We are proud to recognize Senate President Spilka for her unwavering commitment to policies that enhance the lives of older adults,” said Brian Doherty, president and CEO of Mass-ALA. “Her leadership on long-term care reform has strengthened resident care in assisted living, expanded access to essential health services, and promoted well-being across Massachusetts.”

Senate President Spilka championed the Senate’s successful effort to make the provision of basic health services permanent in assisted living through “An Act to Improve Quality and Oversight of Long-term Care” in 2024.

“Every older adult in Massachusetts should have access to high-quality, affordable long-term care when they need it,” she said. “The Senate is committed to doing everything in our power to make that a reality for older adults of every background, in every community across the Commonwealth. We could not do this work without the advocacy and partnership of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association and its members. I am deeply grateful for this honor and look forward to continuing our efforts to build a safe, strong, and equitable long-term care system for Massachusetts.”

Secretary Robin Lipson of the Executive Office of Aging & Independence delivered an address highlighting the Commonwealth’s key priorities, initiatives, and partnerships related to assisted living. She emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting older adults across Massachusetts and outlined ways providers and stakeholders can collaborate to build a more supportive and inclusive continuum of care.

This year’s keynote speaker was Summer Jelinek, a nationally recognized leadership speaker, trainer, and coach. She spoke about “Unlocking the Magic of Leadership: Five Keys for Assisted Living Professionals to Inspire Themselves, Empower Others, and Drive Extraordinary Results.”