2021 Beth Cayce Leadership Award Recipient
Genia Harwell Ryan
Genia Harwell Ryan is the Retired (March 2021) Founding President & CEO of Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA), a non-profit trade association incorporated in 1998 representing Georgia's senior living industry and the growing population it serves. Ms. Ryan selflessly served and guided the organization since its inception.
Ms. Ryan has diligently served the State of Georgia throughout her career in executive leadership positions with government agencies as well as membership, trade, and philanthropic nonprofit associations. A Certified Association Executive (CAE) since 1988, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) and as chair of the Board of Trustees of its foundation. In addition, Ms. Ryan has served in a variety of executive positions for several state and national organizations including the Georgia Board of Regents, Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), Business Council of Georgia, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Families First and the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).
Ms. Ryan has devoted her time and talents to serving the Senior Living providers and the seniors they serve throughout the state of Georgia by continuously supporting and assisting in the passage of legislation which allows for Aging in Place. She has also volunteered and provided encouragement and assistance to those diagnosed with serious diseases both in her family and within the community. Ms. Ryan has utilized these experiences to help lobby for changes in the health care delivery systems to seniors.
On a personal note, Ms. Ryan served as a leader in her community and throughout the US, advocating for the recognition of Hydrangeas and the beauty they bring to the community, as President of the American Hydrangea Society and as a UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteer.
Throughout her career, Ms. Ryan has established herself as a tireless advocate of causes that impact our lives in Georgia, and it is an honor to recognize her for her efforts and contributions to our community, industry, and state.
Ms. Ryan has diligently served the State of Georgia throughout her career in executive leadership positions with government agencies as well as membership, trade, and philanthropic nonprofit associations. A Certified Association Executive (CAE) since 1988, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) and as chair of the Board of Trustees of its foundation. In addition, Ms. Ryan has served in a variety of executive positions for several state and national organizations including the Georgia Board of Regents, Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), Business Council of Georgia, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Families First and the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).
Ms. Ryan has devoted her time and talents to serving the Senior Living providers and the seniors they serve throughout the state of Georgia by continuously supporting and assisting in the passage of legislation which allows for Aging in Place. She has also volunteered and provided encouragement and assistance to those diagnosed with serious diseases both in her family and within the community. Ms. Ryan has utilized these experiences to help lobby for changes in the health care delivery systems to seniors.
On a personal note, Ms. Ryan served as a leader in her community and throughout the US, advocating for the recognition of Hydrangeas and the beauty they bring to the community, as President of the American Hydrangea Society and as a UGA Master Gardener Extension Volunteer.
Throughout her career, Ms. Ryan has established herself as a tireless advocate of causes that impact our lives in Georgia, and it is an honor to recognize her for her efforts and contributions to our community, industry, and state.
