An employee at local retirement communities earned statewide recognition for her more than four decades of assisting older Pella residents.

Lifestyles Coordinator Chris Thomas with Hearthstone, a Ministry of Wesleylife, was named Excellence in Support and Service Professional of the Year by LeadingAge Iowa, the statewide membership organization of non-profit providers of aging services.

LeadingAge awards are coveted among providers and indicative of exemplary work. Thomas was surprised by long-time co-workers, residents she’s helped over the years, and her family at a ceremony Tuesday afternoon in the Pella Cottages.

“It was honor and I was very, very surprised when I walked in,” she says. “To be selected for LeadingAge, it’s a big deal…it was just such an honor.”

Hear from Thomas on an upcoming edition of Let’s Talk Pella.