2026 GEORGIA J. ANETZBERGER AWARDEES
The Georgia J. Anetzberger Award recognizes individuals who have produced, or demonstrated the potential to produce, excellence in research, policy, and/or practice in the field of elder abuse.
Erica Wood, JD has had a profound impact on the field of elder maltreatment. She has led pioneering practice, research, and policy initiatives in adult guardianship, health and financial decision-making, less restrictive alternatives, legal services delivery, and access to courts, among other areas. Erica has advanced the rights and liberties of vulnerable older adults nationwide. Her distinguished tenure with the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, leadership on WINGS and the Guardianship Summit, and consequential national research studies, have improved the landscape of elder justice.
Rachel Tate, LCSW has led groundbreaking practice innovations as the vice-president of Ombudsman Services at WISE & Healthy Aging. With oversight of the Long-term care Ombudsman Program in Los Angeles County, she is an educator, trainer, role model, and leader, who has paved the path for many in this arena to better serve older adults in long-term care. Rachel spearheaded the creation of the first multidisciplinary team dedicated to addressing systemic improvement in long-term care facilities and has contributed to research initiatives in long-term care facilities. In the wake of the Eaton Canyon fire, Rachel marshalled community efforts to provide shelter, food, and necessities for residents who were evacuated from their facilities. She has improved the lives and outcomes of numerous older adults.