Four teams members with Givens Communities were among recipients when LeadingAge North Carolina presented its annual awards this week during the 2025 conference.

Justin Upright, Rob Dirscherl and Keith Robinette of the Givens Communities Training and Development Team earned the 2025 Workplace Excellence Award, which recognizes an investment in staff and workplace environment that promotes the recruitment, retention and development of staff at all levels of the organization through innovative development practices.

Thelma Sullivan, director of Environmental Services at Givens Estates, received the Excellence in Leadership Award, which recognizes a staff member who, regardless of their role within a member organization, demonstrates an aptitude for and commitment to professional growth and provides leadership within the team that is impactful, effective, motivational and consistent.

All honorees show commitment to personal and professional development in preparation for future potential leadership opportunities within the field of aging services, along with a capacity to form harmonious and influential relationships with coworkers through an organization.

LeadingAge North Carolina, based in Raleigh, has 69 members statewide that include continuing care retirement communities and affordable housing providers. Members employ 15,000 mission-oriented staff serving more than 20,000 North Carolinians. Along with national partner LeadingAge, the state association is dedicated to expanding possibilities for aging, to advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.