FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) announced the inaugural 50 Over 50 winners. Honorees will be recognized for their service and dedication to helping Arizonans age with confidence at FSL’s 50th anniversary celebration on Oct. 22 at the Renaissance Hotel in Phoenix.
“This award recognizes older adults whose tireless commitments have woven safety and wellbeing into the very fabric of our community,” said Tami Bohannon, president and CEO of FSL. “Many of these individuals have dedicated their time and treasures to our community for years. We applaud their efforts and appreciate their service and commitment to ensure future generations of Arizonans will continue to thrive.”
In an era where award lists often highlight the achievements of younger generations, FSL is proud to launch an innovative and essential recognition that showcases the important contributions of aging adults. These individuals possess immense wisdom and strength, and their efforts have significantly enriched our society.
2024 Honorees:
- Shane Allen, Arizona Caregiver Coalition
- Joe Anderson, Schaller Anderson and Benovia Winery
- Abe Arvizu Jr., Generational Community Advocate
- Teresa Aseret-Manygoats, MPA, Arizona Department of Health Services
- Brandon Baxter, Northern Arizona Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging
- Thomas Beeson, FSL
- Debb Castellarin, Retired Healthcare Professional
- Latrisha Centers, MA, Governor Hobbs’ Advisory Council on Aging
- Honorable Dan Collins, JD, District of Arizona
- Dr. David Coon, ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
- Jennifer Dangremond, Arizona Housing Coalition
- Bonnie Danowski, Author and Advocate
- Desiree De Melo, MPH, CVS Health
- Most Reverend Bishop John Dolan, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
- Charles M. Dyer, JD, Dyer Bregman Ferris Wong & Carter, PLLC
- Tom Egan, Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation
- Marisue Garganta, retired healthcare executive
- Steve Hastings, FSL
- Brenda Holt, MAOM, MBA, AARP Arizona
- Will Humble, MPH, Arizona Public Health Association
- Annette Iniguez, Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation
- Mary M. Jacobs, MMJ Management Services LLC
- Mary Lynn Kasunic, Area Agency on Aging, Region One
- Tom Kelly, retired healthcare executive
- Dana Marie Kennedy, MSW, AARP Arizona
- Dolly Kennedy, Dolly Steamboat
- Lee Krausnick, FSL
- Laura Ladrigan Cobb, retired wealth advisor
- Ben Lytle, JD, The Potentialist
- Sister Margaret McBride, MPA, Sisters of Mercy, Dignity Health
- Guy Mikkelsen, MSW, FSL CEO (1985-2015)
- Paul Mulligan, MBA, MTS, Catholic Charities Community Services
- Dr. Lisa O’Neil, University of Arizona Center on Aging
- Sister Adele O’Sullivan, Circle the City
- Mayor Rui Pereira, Town of Wickenburg
- Virginia G. Piper (posthumous), Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
- Stuart Rodie, JPMorgan Chase
- Bob Roth, Cypress HomeCare Solutions
- Monsignor Ed Ryle (posthumous), priest & lobbyist
- Josie Salas, FSL
- Noel Schaus, City of Tolleson
- Timothy Schmaltz, Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition
- Carrie Smith, U.S. Department of Energy
- Dan Taylor, Arizona Caregiver Coalition
- Jutta Ulrich, MHSM, Arizona Caregiver Coalition
- Maria Valenzuela, Advance Community
- Monica Villalobos, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Andrea Weeks-Hardin, retired community advocate
- Ann Wheat, Duet
- Gerald Wissink, MBA, BHHS Legacy Foundation
FSL accepted nominations over the summer and a volunteer judging committee selected the inaugural 50 awardees. Their significant contributions align with FSL’s mission to promote health, independence and dignity for all. Their work has improved the quality of life for adults across Arizona, helped foster inclusive communities, and advanced policies that support healthy aging.
Photo by Jaron Quach
