Paul Hilgers Honored with LeadingAge Texas “Excellence Board Governance” Award
March 31, 2025 – AUSTIN – Westminster board member Paul Hilgers has been chosen as the recipient of the 2025 LeadingAge Texas’ “Excellence in Board Governance Award.” Every year, LeadingAge Texas shines a spotlight on extraordinary individuals committed to propelling aging services forward, embodying exceptional leadership, and championing advocacy.
“Paul has earned the respect of every board member and resident who appreciates his low-key, impactful, get-the-job-done style,” said Chuck Borst, executive director at Westminster. “When Paul was nominated for this award, he said, ‘this award belongs to the entire board.’ Nonprofits need strong leaders from the top down. During his 12 years of board service, Paul has supported Westminster in its strategic expansion of buildings and services, ensuring our strong long-term fiscal footing as one of the best-managed, most resilient retirement communities in Texas.”
Hilgers served as board chair during Westminster’s pivotal construction phase when it added its third tower with independent and assisted living residences, a memory wing, healthcare services, fine dining restaurant, and luxury amenities. He continues to serve on committees, including wellness, finance, the executive committee, and strategic planning to ensure that Westminster is evolving to exceed industry best practices. Founded in 1967, Westminster is Austin’s first continuing care retirement community and remains the premier choice of retirement for business and arts leaders and university faculty in Austin, and attracts residents from across the country.
Professionally, Hilgers specializes in providing guidance in Board and Executive Corporate leadership, strategic planning, governance, and organizational development. He has served other large organizations during complex growth challenges, including the Austin Board of Realtors and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
“Paul Hilgers’ dedication to strong governance and strategic leadership embodies the qualities we celebrate with this award. His commitment to ensuring the long-term success of his community and prioritizing the well-being of residents reflects the impact that thoughtful, mission-driven board leadership can have in aging services,” said George Linial, president of CEO of LeadingAge Texas.
Hilgers shares this honor with fellow board members: David E. Redding, Chair, Diane Williams, Vice Chair, Stephen Y. Scurlock, Secretary, Alexandra Albright, Michael Chauncey Day, Dr. Diana DiNitto, Richard Luevano, Jr., Nick Moore, Buzzy Woodworth, Camille Miller, resident’s association president, Robert Rutishauser, resident, Jim Woodrick, resident along with legal counsel, Kevin Reed, of Reed, Claymon, Meeker & Hargett.
Hilgers’ parents lived at Westminster from 2010 to 2021, so the community is a family tradition. According to board chair David Redding, Westminster continues to be a shining star in the retirement space thanks in part to its amazing executive leadership team, and forward-thinking board leaders like Hilgers who see challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Today, the state of Texas has the third-largest senior population in the country with a rapidly growing market share as boomers age and prepare to retire.
“Staying true to the community’s motto, Extraordinary, Together, Paul has helped the Board remain united, especially during those tough pandemic years. He encourages transparency, and open communication, and always places a priority on residents’ needs to make sure their voices are heard, and they are informed about key decisions, and developments on campus,” added Redding.
LeadingAge Texas will honor the 2025 winners during the 2025 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO on May 19 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Throughout the May 19 – May 21 conference, a dozen leading organizations and leaders across the state will be recognized for their visionary leadership, innovative strides, and unwavering dedication to enrich the lives of aging Texans.
About Westminster
Established in 1967, Westminster is Austin’s premier retirement community. Operating as a not-for-profit community, Westminster is managed by Life Care Services LLC, and provides modern residences, state-of-the-art health care and other amenities to residents seeking comfortable and culturally enriching lifestyles in Central Austin. Westminster has achieved a 5-star ranking for more than 15 years from the Center for Medicare Services and Top Workplace honors from the Austin American-Statesman for ten years. For more information, call (512) 607-7714 or visit www.westminsteraustintx.org and follow Westminster on Facebook and Instagram @WestminsterAustin.
LeadingAge Texas:
LeadingAge Texas (formerly the Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging – TAHSA) was established in 1959 as a Texas not-for-profit corporation. Its purpose is to provide leadership, advocacy, and education for not-for-profit retirement housing and nursing home communities that serve the needs of Texas retirees.
