Cleaning by Example: Albert Vega manages his maintenance team very well while also treating the residents of Garden Spot Village right

Everyone has a different definition of what a good manager looks like. From the qualities of being hands-on to possessing accountability and communication skills, a good manager can be defined differently by everyone.

What can be agreed upon, though, is Albert Vega possesses every quality a great manager should possess. He stands up for his staff and he leads by example, and for his standout management qualities, he is the LeadingAge PA 2025 Manager of the Year Award winner.

“One might consider the fact that Albert was instrumental in bringing robotics to Garden Spot Village for the first time, programming and implementing a robotic vacuum system that is now responsible for not only improving the cleanliness of our facility, but saving valuable time for our staff to focus on other duties,” Director of Facility Services and Team Leader Matt Stoltzfus said.

This is just one example of what makes Vega such a great manager. His seemingly simple thought of bringing in robotic vacuums has gone a long way in improving the quality of cleanliness at Garden Spot Village.

Managing time-saving techniques is not the only thing this Director of Environmental Services is great at either.

“One might also consider how Albert updated and modernized our commercial laundry services to the point that we were able to temporarily absorb the laundry duties for a neighboring facility while they were undergoing a renovation, all without increasing our FTEs,” Stoltzfus said.

Adaptability is another skill Vega possesses. That helps him take any potential problem and figure out a solution. That is why he was able to help another facility without creating extra headache for his staff.

Speaking of which, Vega’s willingness to help others is another great management quality he has. Not everyone would be willing to do something like what he did with the laundry, but not everyone has the same heart as Vega.

He is willing to help other departments as well, which really came in handy during the pandemic. He would send some of his crew to other departments to help out where they were short-staffed. He would step in too, showing his hands-on approach to his management style.

He is also all about diversification and inclusivity. Vega cares about bringing in people who are going to put resident care first and foremost, regardless of what their background looks like.

“More important than all of those accomplishments is how Albert continuously invests in his staff, both personally and professionally,” Stoltzfus said. “Albert’s staff features a very diverse group of people from many different countries and cultures. Albert has strived to work and harness that diversity, helping to create an inter-generational ESL cooperative with our residents and encouraging members of his team to participate with willing resident teachers to improve language skills.”

Vega brings out the best in his staff every day, and they are willing to cooperate with him because he is willing to cooperate with them. Plus, he brings about a sense of encouragement and leads with his heart.

“My journey into aging services was inspired by a desire to serve others in a meaningful and lasting way,” Vega said. “After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and spending years as an educator, I was drawn to Garden Spot Village because of its strong sense of community and its mission to enrich the lives of older adults. I’ve always believed in honoring the generation that came before us, and working in this field has given me the opportunity to give back, build relationships, and help create an environment where residents feel valued, respected, and at home.”

Vega wants to serve those who raised up his generation, and he truly believes in taking care of every resident. He connects with them and honors them, and he treats them all the right way.

In fact, his ability to interact with the residents is unmatched. He has a way of connecting with each one of them, and he will be a listening ear or provide a sense of comfort and encouragement if they need it.

“What I enjoy most is the connection—both with residents and team members,” Vega said. “Every day brings opportunities to make a difference, whether through a simple conversation, a problem solved, or a new initiative that improves someone’s quality of life. I also appreciate the stories, wisdom, and resilience of the older adults we serve.”

Vega works the job he does because he loves serving others, especially his elders. He loves being able to help them out every day and create a warm environment during what could otherwise be seen as bleak times.

He has the position he does because of hard work, and because he is fit to be a manager. He cares about the residents and his staff, and they all look to him because of his ability to lead them.

They also appreciate his work-life balance. Vega loves his job, but he also loves his life outside of work too.

“In his free time, Albert leads a local chapter of Lifecycles, a faith-based non-profit committed to encouraging kids to ride bikes and stay healthy,” Stoltzfus said. “Albert’s ability to think outside of the box and support his team while excelling in his role makes him an excellent candidate for Manager of the Year.”

Whether he is at Garden Spot Village or not, Vega is spending his time serving others. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and you know that heart is always in the right place.

He is also phenomenal at what he does—not just as a manager but as a worker. He works so hard and gets others to do the same, and it shows.

“One might simply stroll through our amazingly clean facility, noticing that few facilities have the high standard that Albert and his staff are defined by,” Stoltzfus said.

Vega expects nothing but the best, and he gets nothing but the best from his staff. That is why he is the LeadingAge PA 2025 Manager of the Year Award recipient.