September 17, 2026 – The East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging has presented its Leadership Award in Honor of Dr. Arthur H. Larsen to two local leaders for their work expanding Adult Day Services throughout East Central Illinois.
Mike Berkes, director of program development, and Laura Edwards, vice president of Home and Community-Based Services, were recognized for their leadership and vision in expanding critical Adult Day Services throughout the region.
The Leadership Award is presented each year to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership in advancing programs, services and opportunities for older adults in East Central Illinois.
The award is named in honor of Dr. Arthur H. Larsen, who served as the first chairperson of the ECIAAA Corporate Board in 1974.
The agency says Berkes and Edwards were recognized for their efforts to expand access to Adult Day Services and strengthen services available to older adults throughout the region.
