Program Details
EMERGE offers a year-long leadership journey designed to strengthen professional and personal growth through hands-on learning, reflection, and collaboration. Participants engage in four in-person sessions held across California, each focused on a key aspect of leadership development. Sessions include community site visits, readings from leadership experts, group exercises, and guided self-assessments.
Learning highlights include:
- Understanding leadership principles and personal leadership style.
- Applying strategic thinking to complex organizational challenges.
- Building emotional intelligence and effective communication.
- Developing inclusive, resilient teams that drive innovation.
Mentoring & Networking
Each Fellow is paired with an experienced Leadership Coach who provides individual guidance and feedback throughout the program. Fellows also participate in monthly team calls between sessions—an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen accountability, and gain insight from peers across the state.
Program connections that last:
- Ongoing mentorship during and after the program.
- Monthly leadership dialogues with peers.
- Access to an active alumni network of EMERGE graduates.
Eligibility & Commitment
Who Can Apply
- Open to employees of LeadingAge California member organizations.
- Applicants should demonstrate commitment to leadership development and the mission of aging services.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 10–15 hours per month.
- Includes one hour per month for virtual team calls and four in-person sessions.
Tuition
- $3,995 per Fellow (paid by sponsoring organization).
- Travel and lodging are covered by the organization.
Program Duration
- May 2026 – May 2027
- Graduation at the LeadingAge California BOLD Annual Conference & Expo.
2026–2027 Schedule
| Session |
Date |
Location |
EMERGE Session I
(In conjunction with the BOLD Annual Conference & Expo) |
May 19–22, 2026 |
Palm Desert, CA |
| EMERGE Session II |
August 5–6, 2026 |
Anaheim, CA |
| EMERGE Session III |
November 2026 (TBD) |
Location TBD |
EMERGE Session IV
(In conjunction with RISE Policy Summit) |
February 2027 (TBD) |
Sacramento, CA |
Graduation
(Held during the BOLD Annual Conference & Expo) |
May 2027 (TBD) |
Location TBD |
Facilitator & Coaches
FACILITATOR
Matthew Neeley
President & CEO, Hillcrest
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Matthew Neeley is president & CEO of Hillcrest. He is a healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience leading older adult services organizations. He enjoys developing others and serves as facilitator of the EMERGE program, the Leadership Development Program for LeadingAge California and on its Public Policy Committee. He is active in community service and has served as Treasurer of the La Verne/San Dimas Meals on Wheels and as board member and Chair of Community Senior Services. He is an adjunct professor, teaching graduate-level Gerontology courses for the University of La Verne. Mr. Neeley has dual Master’s degrees from Arizona State University in Business Administration (MBA) and Health Services Administration (MHSA).
COACH
Christine Carrasco
Associate Director, Hillcrest
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Christine Carrasco is the Associate Director of Remodeling/Refurbishing/Landscaping at Hillcrest in La Verne, California. In this role, she is tasked with the design, development, and management of construction projects at Hillcrest and is deeply involved with master planning. She also manages the landscaping department, which maintains 23 acres of manicured landscape. With 12 years of senior living experience, Christine is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.
COACH
Lisa Coe
Senior Director of Facility Operations, Paradise Valley Estates
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Lisa Coe is the Senior Director of Facility Operations at Paradise Valley Estates in Fairfield, California. In this role, she is tasked with overseeing all facility operations as well as capital improvement projects. Lisa also continues to drive the accreditation process for the organization. Additionally, Lisa supports the community through developing leadership programs and serving on many resident committees. She has been in senior living for over 19 years. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University in 1992 with a major in Speech Communication and minor in Public Relations.
COACH
Joseph Pritchard
Director of Memory Care, Masonic Homes of California, Union City
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Joseph Pritchard is the Director of Memory Care at Masonic Homes of California, Union City. In this role, he is tasked with implementing new technological innovations (iPad, Lumosity, etc.) for use in Brain Fitness/Memory Care Programs. He previously was the RCFE Healthcare Manager at Masonic Homes from 2014 to 2015, managing 48 members of the nursing team. Joseph earned his M.D. from Our Lady of Fatima University in 2009 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2003.