AUSTINTOWN — Rich Limongi, Shepherd of the Valley chief executive, has been given the Visionary Leadership of Honor award from LeadingAge Ohio for his contributions and leadership in the field of aging services.

The award is given by the Columbus-based nonprofit trade association to people who have demonstrated “outstanding dedication and impact in the aging services sector,” according to a news release.

The “distinction is a testament to Limongi’s 30-year commitment to advancing the well-being and quality of life for older adults,” the release states.

Limongi said he was “humbled and honored” to receive the award.

“This recognition is a tribute to the collective efforts of the entire Shepherd of the Valley team in redefining aging services and enriching the lives of those we serve,” he said.

Limongi’s professional accomplishments include the opening of Shepherd of the Valley’s $32 million Liberty community, its first Memory Care neighborhood, launching ventilator care at the Liberty facility and starting an employee STNA (state tested nurses aide) certification program.

Founded in 1972, Shepherd of the Valley is a full continuum of care provider, offering independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and memory, ventilator and home health care services. It has facilities in Poland, Liberty, Howland and Boardman.

LeadingAge Ohio represents approximately 400 long-term care organizations and hospices, as well as those providing ancillary health care and housing services, in more than 150 communities in Ohio.