Hebrew SeniorLife’s EngAGE 2026 Celebrates Aging Defined by Possibility, Not Limitation

Hebrew SeniorLife hosted its annual EngAGE celebration, providing a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate attendees’ shared commitment to creating a world where aging is defined by possibility, not limitation.

“One of the things I love about EngAGE is how it brings together so many different groups — multiple generations, corporate partners, long-time donors, new friends, and those we’re meeting tonight for the first time,” said Hebrew SeniorLife Board Chair Richard J. Henken. “What we all share is a belief that every person deserves the opportunity to age with purpose, meaning, and supports to keep them healthy and connected.”

This year’s EngAGE honored Harold G. Kotler, a Hebrew SeniorLife board member and founder-chairman and chief investment officer at GW&K Investment Management. 

“Harold Kotler’s quiet generosity ensures that no one at Hebrew SeniorLife ever has to face their hardest moment by themselves,” said Hebrew SeniorLife President and CEO Adam Scott. “Over the past three decades of his involvement, Harold has helped us navigate complexities. He has never once let us forget that good intentions need a strong foundation.” 

Emilie Metellus, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, shared remarks about her career journey at Hebrew SeniorLife. She began as a culinary employee and grew as she pursued her undergraduate and graduate studies. She’s now a nurse instructor at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Lunder CareForce Institute, which recently celebrated one year of training future health care workers. Her growth was supported by donor-funded scholarships.

“With each role, my purpose became clearer: to advocate for people who are vulnerable in the health care system, to listen, help them understand their options, and act on their behalf when they needed support,” she said. “Standing here today, I’m grateful for the relationships, the opportunities, and the people who helped me imagine what could come next.” 

EngAGE 2026 took place on October 21 at City Winery Boston and was made possible by planning committee members Susan Benjamin, Alison Casper, Jeffrey Drucker, Todd Finard, Reese Genser, Gabrielle Henken, Andrew Mahr, Hinda Marcus, and Susan Florence Smith. Preservation Hall Jazz Band provided the evening’s entertainment.

Proceeds from EngAGE 2026 support Hebrew SeniorLife’s health care, communities, research, and teaching programs.

About Harold G. Kotler
Harold G. Kotler is a Hebrew SeniorLife Board member, chairs the compensation committee, and sits on the finance, investment, and retirement committees. He and his wife, Rabbi Jamie Kotler, named Hebrew SeniorLife’s Jamie and Harold Kotler H.E.L.P. Fund, which provides cash assistance to employees facing unforeseen hardships. 

Kotler is founder-chairman of GW&K Investment Management and is one of the firm’s original partners. Upon joining GW&K in 1975, he was the architect and chief strategist of the firm’s innovative flagship municipal bond investment strategy. He was named president in 1985 and became CEO in 2006. Through his leadership, GW&K has expanded its expertise across asset classes to fully serve its client base. Kotler chairs GW&K’s investment committee and is a member of its management committee.

Kotler was previously a vice president of the U.S. Trust Co., Boston; an advisory affiliate of U.S. Trust; president of Barclay Asset Management Co.; and vice president of Studley Shupert & Co., Inc., Boston. Early in his career, he was an investment officer with the Newton Waltham Bank.

Kotler received a BS/BA from Babson College in 1965. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society Boston. In addition to Hebrew SeniorLife, Kotler has been an active supporter of numerous philanthropic organizations throughout his life. He is a trustee emeritus of the Boch Center and was previously a board member and chair of the board of trustees of Hebrew College; on the advisory board of the Cutler Center at Babson College; chairman of the board of the Jewish Memorial Hospital; president of Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley; board member and treasurer of the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters; trustee of Hebrew Union College; and board member of The Rashi School and Babson College.

About Emilie Metellus, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC 
Emilie Lisa Metellus is a nursing supervisor at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center and nurse instructor at the Lunder CareForce Institute. She has built a career defined by growth, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving others. She began her journey at Hebrew SeniorLife in 2011 in culinary services, where her early connection to the organization sparked a lasting passion for health care and community service. Since then, Metellus has advanced through roles as a charge nurse, clinical coordinator, and educator, developing the clinical expertise and leadership skills that now inform her work as a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

Today, Metellus provides compassionate, patient-centered care in her roles as nursing supervisor at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center and Thundermist Health Center, and as instructor at the Lunder CareForce Institute. In these roles, she advocates for patients, supports families, and helps prepare the next generation of health care professionals to deliver thoughtful, high-quality care. Her career reflects a commitment to improving lives through direct patient care, education, mentorship, and community engagement.

About Hebrew SeniorLife
Hebrew SeniorLife is a national leader working to create a world where aging is defined by possibility, not limitation. We care for more than 4,500 older adults each day across seven campuses throughout Greater Boston, and offer support for families in the aging journey. Our services include in-home care, outpatient therapies, an outpatient memory clinic, short- and long-term inpatient care, hospice, independent and assisted living, and affordable housing with services. We conduct influential research on aging at our Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, which has a grant portfolio of $88 million, and train future health care workers at the Lunder CareForce Institute. Hebrew SeniorLife is a Harvard Medical School affiliate. Follow us on our blog, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.