Honorees will be Recognized for Being Outstanding Arizonans at October Event

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 24, 2024) – FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) is proud to announce the inaugural 50 Over 50 winners.  Honorees will be recognized for their service and dedication to helping Arizonans age with confidence at FSL’s 50^th 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.

To learn more or purchase tickets to the 50^th anniversary event, visit: https://www.fsl.org/golden/.

About FSL:

FSL is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide home and community-based services and to develop energy-efficient, affordable housing to promote health, independence and dignity for all. With a long history of helping Arizona families with issues including health, hunger, aging, illness, loneliness and substandard housing, FSL is committed to improving the quality of life for all Arizonans. To learn more about FSL programs and services, visit fsl.org.