Beatitudes Campus CEO Michelle Just Earns Arizona LeadingAge’s Highest Honor

Beatitudes Campus is proud to announce that President and CEO Michelle Just has been named the recipient of the 2026 Arizona LeadingAge Award of Honor, the organization’s highest individual recognition and one of the most prestigious honors in the field of aging services.

The Award of Honor recognizes an executive leader who has demonstrated an exemplary career of service, leadership, innovation, and advocacy on behalf of seniors. Just was selected for her nearly three decades of contributions to aging services and her transformative leadership at Beatitudes Campus and throughout Arizona and the nation.

“Michelle has dedicated her career to ensuring that older adults are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion,” says Guy Berry, chair of the Beatitudes Campus Board of Directors. “She is a visionary leader, a tireless advocate, and a mentor to countless professionals in the field. This recognition reflects not only her accomplishments, but the profound impact she has had on the lives of older adults, their families, and those who serve them.”

Just has served Beatitudes Campus for 25 years. As President and CEO, she leads one of Arizona’s premier nonprofit life plan communities, overseeing a full continuum
of services that includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, longterm care, and home- and community-based services.

Throughout her career, Just has been a champion for innovation in aging services, helping advance person-centered care, dementia support programs, workforce development, and policies that improve the lives of seniors. Her leadership extends far beyond the Beatitudes Campus, including service with Arizona LeadingAge, national aging-services organizations, and numerous boards and advocacy initiatives dedicated to improving care and quality of life for seniors.

During her acceptance remarks, Just reflected on the people who have shaped her career and the thousands of caregivers, nurses, team members, volunteers, residents, and board members whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes.

“When I think about my time in this field, I don’t think about milestones or accomplishments first,” Just said. “I think about people. And I think about hands. The hands of service. The thousands of hands I’ve had the privilege to see over the years.”

She continued, “Our work isn’t really about healthcare or housing. It’s about dignity. It’s about protecting, advocating for, and honoring the worth of every person at every stage of life.”

Under Just’s leadership, Beatitudes Campus has become recognized as a leader in innovation, resident engagement, dementia care, and inclusive aging services. She has also been instrumental in cultivating a culture of mentorship and leadership development, helping prepare the next generation of professionals in the field. “Michelle’s leadership reminds us that aging services is ultimately about human connection,” says Donna Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at Beatitudes Campus and a former Award of Honor awardee. “She never loses sight of the people behind the work.”

Founded in 1964, Beatitudes Campus is a nonprofit life plan community in Phoenix dedicated to inspiring purpose and vibrancy in life’s journey. Through innovative programs, compassionate care, and a commitment to serving all seniors, Beatitudes Campus continues to transform aging and empower individuals to live brightly and age boldly.

About Beatitudes Campus

Beatitudes Campus is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Phoenix, Arizona. Serving approximately 600 residents across a full continuum of living and care options, Beatitudes Campus is committed to inspiring purpose and vibrancy in life’s journey through innovative services, compassionate care, and meaningful community connections.