Lifetime Achievement Award for Sun Valley Lodge Executive Director

Michael Fahey, the Lodge’s long-time executive director knew that the Leading Age of    Arizona planned to highlight his years of service to their organization at their annual conference this past summer.  What he did not know was that they were going to surprise him with a Lifetime      Achievement award for his commitment to excellence and his track record of success in his many years of providing care and lodging to Arizona Seniors.

Michael is a natural to receive an award of this magnitude.  He knew at an early age that his calling was to work with older people.  “I only had one living grandparent growing up and she was always my inspiration.  When I was a kid I would visit friends’ houses and spend more time talking to their grandparents than playing.  I knew by the time I was a teenager that working with older folks was my calling.”

Michael is a founding member of the organization—originally known as American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging— that became Leading Age of Arizona.  He is also the only charter member still active with the group.  In 1982 Michael signed the original bylaws that founded AASHA as a trade association representing not-for-profit      facilities dedicated to providing quality health care, housing and services to elderly Arizona citizens.  And, over the past 31 years he has served several terms on their board, as an officer, and as a chairman of numerous committees.

The award exemplifies Michael’s tenure at the Lodge where he has presided as executive director for 14 years and been instrumental in helping the Lodge establish its stellar reputation in the community.

“I believe strongly in the not-for-profit service ethic and the most rewarding thing in my professional life is to work with a staff that is deeply committed and treats residents with care and respect.  I love the families, residents, volunteers, and staff members who make up the Sun Valley Lodge family.”