Thelma Sullivan, director of Environmental Services at Givens Estates, has been selected to receive the Excellence in Leadership Award presented by LeadingAge North Carolina.

Her career philosophy begins with a simple question: Why?

“Ask yourself why your job makes a difference, why it is important to others, and why it matters to do your best,” said Sullivan. “Givens Estates has been one of the best opportunities for me. I have been allowed to be creative as I can be, and as innovative as I want to be, with no limits to my leadership style, and that is so empowering.”

The Excellence in Leadership award 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.

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 the organization.

As director of Environmental Services for 25 years, she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of cleaning and sanitation within the retirement community. That includes staff management, compliance with hygiene standards, maintaining equipment, and prioritizing the health and well-being of residents in a sensitive environment. An important aspect of Sullivan’s duties is supervising a team of more than 50, assigning a wide variety of tasks and maintaining constant communication.

“My leadership style has always been about delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction that I can,” she said. “That means supporting other departments, doing what you can for others, and if you do that, it keeps us unified and working together for a common goal. And when you add that ‘why concept’ to it, and you are preparing the next generation of leaders.”

LeadingAge North Carolina is a statewide association for retirement communities, including both continuing care communities, affordable housing providers, and business members. Through advocacy, education, innovation and collaboration, the membership organization provides expanded possibilities for aging, value to its members, and leadership to the field of aging. The award will be presented during a luncheon ceremony that will be held in conjunction with LeadingAge North Carolina’s 2025 Annual Conference in May.