The Wesley Community’s CEO Receives Lawrence E. Larson Memorial Award of Honor
Saratoga Springs — The Wesley Community is celebrating one of its own after LeadingAge New York bestowed its highest honor on Wesley CEO J. Brian Nealon at a conference on Tuesday, May 20 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
Nealon’s four-decade-long career at The Wesley Community began in 1985 when he assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer. In 2003, he was appointed to Chief Executive Officer and has continued at the helm of the continuum-of-care campus since that time. Nealon was enthusiastically nominated by staff and peers for the prestigious 2025 LeadingAge New York award.
The Lawrence E. Larson Memorial Award of Honor is a tribute to the late Lawrence E. Larson, the association’s first chairman, for his distinguished service, dedication and foresight in aging services. The annual award is given to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the field and is a recognized leader at the state and national level, with a reputation for humanitarian achievement and professional vision.
“I am absolutely humbled to be the recipient of this deeply meaningful award. To be recognized this way by colleagues, friends, staff and family members of Wesley residents is truly a highlight of my career,” Nealon said. “Lawrence Larson’s enduring legacy has been an inspiration to all of us who are privileged to do this work. I will be forever grateful for this special honor.”
Nealon, a native of Latham, NY, received an accounting degree from UAlbany in 1977. He initially worked as a Medicaid auditor examining the books of nursing homes. His career path led him to Teresian House, a nursing home in Albany, where he worked for six years prior to his arrival at Wesley in 1985.
LeadingAge New York is a member of the eponymous national association comprising 5,600 non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing policies and conducting research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age. It annually recognizes the extraordinary dedication and contributions of its members at different levels of leadership and service in the field of long-term health care.
“There is no one who more embodies personal leadership and commitment to the field of long- term care than Mr. Nealon. Not only has he successfully led The Wesley Community for over 40 years, he has done so through tumultuous times, times of uncertainty in the field, times of overwhelming challenges that would have defeated a lesser person,” said Christopher R. Lyons, Chief Executive Officer of Aim Services, Inc. “The Wesley Community would not be the leader in long-term care that it is in our community without Brian… Great Leaders are authentic, they walk with a clarity of purpose and character that is genuine; that’s Brian Nealon. I am honored to be his colleague and blessed to be his friend.”
“Brian speaks from the heart when speaking to the staff, and he means it. When talking, he makes it so we all understand what he is speaking about, and sometimes the conversations are not easy, but Brian does it with compassion and grace. It opens up the conversation so anyone feels they can ask a question. Not all CEOs can manage that. Brian does this every single time,” said Patricia Seber, Director of Independent Living, Woodlawn Commons at The Wesley Community.
“Brian’s leadership is characterized by a rare combination of vision, empathy and action. He is a tireless advocate for our residents, ensuring their well-being and dignity are always prioritized. He also fosters a positive and supportive work environment where every staff member feels valued and respected,” said Meghan Glowa, Director of Human Resources, The Wesley Community.
For more information about The Wesley Community visit www.thewesleycommunity.org/.
