From an early age onward, Judy Feder learned how to stick up for herself. The third of four girls raised by an English immigrant salesman and a bookkeeper mother, Feder says she was told by her father to "stand up for what I believe in, speak out and always look people straight in the eye."

While some government officials might dream of their retirement days to be filled with globe-trotting, for Sheila Lambowitz, travel couldn't wait.

From his days as a child to running around the halls of UHS centers to running after his own children, Neil L. Pruitt Jr. has always balanced family and work.

The new leader of the American Hospital Association's Governing Council for Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation has been a chief executive officer for the past 15 years. But at her core, Patricia Ostaszewski still considers herself a nurse.

Kathleen Wilson, Deputy Director, Division of Nursing Homes, CMS

At LeadingAge's 50th anniversary celebration in October, Howard Washburn was applauded, thanked and much sought after.

If you ever find yourself in the company of Joe Steier, you might get lucky and be treated to a delicious meal at Bearno's, a Louisville, KY, favorite among locals for decades.

Marsha Greenfield, VP of Legislative Affairs, LeadingAge

Should a visitor ever go into labor at eldercare's St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community in Centreville, OH, never fear: The executive director knows his way around a delivery room.

Mary Naylor, Ph.D., RN, Chairwoman, Long-Term Quality Alliance