2024 JOHN HOPPER IMPACT AWARD

NOMINATIONS DUE BY APRIL 18, 2024

The John Hopper Impact Award recognizes an exceptional Entrepreneur or First-time Fund Manager who has introduced an innovative solution, technology, or fund thesis focused on improving the independence, quality, and cost of care for the aging population. John Hopper was a true innovator; between establishing one of the first funds to invest in age-tech solutions and supporting its portfolio company entrepreneurs, John dedicated himself to driving innovation while inspiring growth in people, teams, and relationships. John’s significant influence, impact, and contribution to those with whom he collaborated will never be forgotten.

Through his collaborative approach to supporting entrepreneurs as well as senior living and healthcare providers, John helped countless companies improve the quality and cost of care as well as the independence and overall wellbeing of our aging population. John built enduring relationships with entrepreneurs, colleagues, investors, and employees all striving for excellence with a “Hopper-like” understanding as well as appreciation for the tremendous sacrifice, persistence, and effort it took to achieve the success he expected from each of them.

John was a visionary who positively impacted the development of innovative technology and service models to support healthy aging through his venture investing thesis and entrepreneurial support. With this Award, we remember John and celebrate his legacy by recognizing an Entrepreneur or First-time Fund Manager dedicated to making significant contributions to enhance the aging experience, extend well-span, and/or improve the quality of care provided to the aging population.

All finalists of the John Hopper Impact Award will be invited* to the What’s Next Longevity Venture Summit on June 13, 2024 in San Francisco, California, where the recipient of the award will be announced prior to a celebration honoring John. The recipient will receive an invitation* to the Ziegler Link-age Symposium on July 25, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois, as well as a one-year advisor partnership with an award advisor of the recipient’s choosing. The Ziegler Link-age Symposium is an investor-exclusive and invitation-only event that brings together industry leaders and innovators to discuss the future of technology and its potential to revolutionize the aging and post-acute fields. The symposium features a robust schedule of thought leadership, attendee networking, and fostering connections to introduce companies with targeted solutions to address provider challenges. The award recipient will have an opportunity for a brief speaking engagement at the symposium.

* Invitation to conference includes complimentary registration and a stipend to cover a portion of travel and lodging.

About John Hopper

John Hopper was someone who always strived for greatness, who achieved nearly all of his life goals, and who lived life with purpose. Born in a tiny town in Ohio as the youngest of four, he learned the value of an All-American work ethic from his parents and from the western Pennsylvania steel mills that set him to work as a teenager. He would never brag about his “humble beginnings,” but he carried a quiet yet palpable pride about the way his life turned out. He was naturally bright and driven, putting himself through college, then an MBA, then a JD, and subsequently achieving success in corporate, legal, business, and entrepreneurial settings. He was someone who used his natural intellect to great effect: when he wanted something, he put one foot in front of the other and walked purposefully towards it. This focus and determination helped John Hopper achieve success in all of his endeavors from stock broker, to legal counsel, and from tech CEO, to investment banker, and venture capitalist.

John Hopper was a founding member and the Chief Investment Officer of the Ziegler Link-age Funds where he leveraged his tenacity and creativity to help craft an investment policy designed to support innovation, collaboration, and growth among entrepreneurs, and senior living and healthcare providers.  As one the first fund focused on raising venture capital from senior living and care providers to invest in companies innovating in the space, John Hopper’s vision, network and ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way, was instrumental in its success.

John Hopper’s attitude of intentionality and purpose served him well in life, and allowed him to raise a family, enjoy his passions, and build and live the exact life he wanted. He loved learning new things and was constantly looking ahead to the next big opportunity — his dreams were limitless.

Nomination Requirements:

Anyone may submit a nomination for the John Hopper Impact Award with the candidate’s permission. Self-nominations are accepted. It is the responsibility of the nominator to summarize the nominee’s achievements in sufficient detail to document why this individual should be considered, above all others, for this distinguished award.

Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the selection process without additional research. Please complete the Nomination Form in full for Nominee to be considered for the Award.

The Recognition Committee reviews nominations for the leadership award against the following required criteria:

1. Commitment to improving the independence, quality and cost of care, and overall lives of the aging population.
2. Innovative Solution or Thesis: Winners will have a unique and innovative solution or fund thesis that will seek to improve the lives of older adults.
3. Measurable Impact: Winners will be able to measure the impact they are driving.
4. Financial Viability and Sustainability: Winners will be financially viable with a plan to scale to drive broader future impact.

Please consider submitting a nomination for the award today!