 Opening Conference KeynoteTuesday, September 30 DeVone Holt President and CEO, Muhammad Ali Center
DeVone Holt is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader, keynote speaker, and community impact strategist who currently serves as the President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning strategic communications, workforce development, education, and economic revitalization, Holt is known for his dynamic leadership and deep commitment to empowering underserved communities. A Louisville native and Eastern Kentucky University graduate, Holt has led transformational initiatives that exemplify compassionate, inclusive leadership. As Chief External Affairs Officer at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, he spearheaded the development of a $120 million Opportunity Campus and helped bring the first hospital in over 150 years to West Louisville. In 2022, he was also appointed superintendent of Kentucky’s first adult high school, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to second-chance education. At the Muhammad Ali Center, Holt is focused on revitalizing local engagement and expanding the global impact of Muhammad Ali’s core principles—confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. Under his leadership, the Center launched the Compassionate Cities Index, a groundbreaking national research initiative on civic empathy. Holt is a celebrated author, former civic radio host, and a frequent media contributor. He was named to Louisville Business First’s "Power 50" list and awarded an honorary doctorate for decades of service to urban communities. His energetic and authentic speaking style has inspired audiences across sectors—from education and government to health and aging services. As keynote speaker for the 2025 LeadingAge Kentucky Annual Conference, Holt will share powerful insights on ethical leadership, equity, and community-building—core values that resonate deeply in the senior living sector. Awards Lunch KeynoteWednesday, October 1 Katie Smith Sloan President and CEO, LeadingAge National
Katie Smith Sloan is president and CEO of LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services. To fulfill the organization’s mission to be the trusted voice for aging, Sloan advances the organization’s strategic priorities to increase impact through advocacy, enhancing member value and fostering innovative solutions to improve services and supports for older adults. Sloan is committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to encourage innovation within the aging services sector. Sloan also holds the position of Executive Director at the Global Ageing Network, an organization with a presence in over 50 countries, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for aging populations worldwide. Her sector leadership extends to serving on the board of several organizations, including the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) in Toronto, HelpAge USA, the Long Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ValueFirst, a group purchasing company serving the aging services field. Additionally, she co-chairs Dementia Friendly America, a multi-sector collaborative with a mission to foster dementia friendly communities. Sloan has a master’s degree from the George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College.
Register Now |
