The 2025 Legacy Leader Award winners are John Estrem, Chief Executive Officer of Hammer & NER in Wayzata; Therese Davis, Executive Director (Emerita) of Wingspan Life Resources in St. Paul; Sandy Henry, retired (formerly a Senior Director at Sengistix in Mendota Heights); and Jon Nelson, Executive Director of Residential Services, Inc. in Duluth. The awardees represent over 130 years of combined service to the disability service industry and have been heavily involved with ARRM by serving on its committees, dedicating countless volunteer hours to support the organization’s mission, leaving a lasting impact on their colleagues and clients.
John Estrem currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Hammer & NER and has logged over 12 years of service to ARRM. He is a Past President of ARRM’s Board of Directors and has served on ARRM’s Financial Resources Committee, Grassroots Committee, and Service Innovations Committee. John’s nominators said of him: “Throughout his career, John has been a strong supporter of person-centered practices that honor individual choice and dignity. He applies this perspective not only within his own organization but also at the state and national levels. ...His leadership consistently places individuals with disabilities at the center of every decision.”
Therese Davis dedicated 48 years of service to Wingspan Life Resources, where she served as Executive Director prior to her retirement earlier this year. Therese began her career at Wingspan as a Direct Support Professional while attending college. As Therese’s nominator explained, “Her work was not merely a job, but truly, her calling.” Therese has also been a force on ARRM’s Grassroots and Public Policy Committees, advocating for better support for clients and better wages for staff. Therese’s nominator said further: “She has encouraged staff, families-served, clients, donors and other constituents to write letters, make calls to legislators, and to show up at the Capitol to raise their voices on behalf of our community. Therese has been a collaborator, a listener, and an implementer. She cultivated relationships and told stories to help people understand how vital the work of our community is.”
Sandy Henry served as a Senior Director at Dungarvin, departing in 2010 after 34 years. She went on to serve as a Senior Director, then Director of Service Innovation, at Sengistix until her retirement. Sandy served on ARRM’s Board of Directors and was a tireless supporter of ARRM’s Technology Resource Center.Per her nominator, “Sandy Henry was not only a tireless advocate and thoughtful leader in the disability field—she was a catalyst for change. Her dedication, innovation, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on Minnesota’s disability services system, and her work continues to resonate across the country. ...She has elevated the field, empowered professionals such as me, and most importantly, helped countless individuals access the tools they need to live more fully and independently.”
Jon Nelson has worked for over 38 years at Residential Services, Inc. (RSI), where he currently serves as Executive Director. He has served on ARRM’s Board of Directors as Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer. He also chaired ARRM’s Service Innovations Committee and served on its Alternative Payment Model Workgroup. “There are undoubtedly many ARRM members who could share countless stories [about Jon],” wrote Jon’s nominator. “His leadership has left an indelible mark, one that is still deeply felt across our field and in the lives of so many. ...Jon’s legacy is one of integrity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. The ARRM Legacy Award not only honors his past contributions—it acknowledges the lasting foundation he has built for future generations.”