Kathy Welden, Executive Director of Shaker Pointe at Carondelet, has received the 2026 Professional of the Year Award from LeadingAge New York.
The Professional of the Year Award honors the contributions of a professional, working in the aging field, toward the well-being of the elderly or chronically ill in his or her community. The award nomination is open to any long term care, housing and services professional from across the spectrum of care who demonstrates civic involvement as well as professional dedication, accomplishment and field expertise
As Executive Director at Shaker Pointe, Kathy oversees all aspects of community life, from guiding the leadership team and managing daily operations to ensuring financial and regulatory excellence. With over 20 years of leadership experience in senior housing and retirement communities, Kathy specializes in organizational leadership, resident engagement, team development, and strategic planning.
Throughout her career, Kathy has helped build strong, resident-driven communities centered on purpose, inclusion, and connection. At Shaker Pointe, she is proud to nurture a collaborative culture where residents and staff shape programs, events, and improvements together. She also serves on the LeadingAge New York Board of Directors, advancing innovation and excellence across senior housing communities statewide.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from LeadingAge New York,” Welden says. “I’ve been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside residents, staff, board members and colleagues who believe, as I do, that aging communities should be places where people continue to have purpose, a voice and meaningful opportunities to contribute. At Shaker Pointe, our residents are not simply recipients of services—they are partners in shaping our community. This award may have my name on it, but it reflects the extraordinary people I have the privilege of working with every day and our shared commitment to creating a community where people can continue to grow, connect and live fully.”
Welden’s award was celebrated by the Shaker Pointe community at a dessert reception on Friday, September 18. Shaker Pointe’s Director of Finance, Jessica Keeler, delivered an opening speech, and a blessing was given by Resident Coordinator Sr. Mary Jo Tallman CSJ before Kathy delivered a speech to a standing ovation of residents and staff. Desserts were handmade by Shaker Pointe’s Director of Culinary & Dining Services, Aubree Bulson.
LeadingAge New York is the only statewide organization representing the entire continuum of not-for-profit, mission-driven, and public continuing care, including senior housing, nursing home, adult care facility, continuing care retirement community, assisted living, home care, adult day care and community services providers. LeadingAge New York represents over 300 organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging.