As was communicated in updates in recent months, LeadingAge Ohio President/CEO Kathryn Brod announced her decision to retire in mid-2021. Her decades of experience in senior living will be missed, and the impact of her time leading our association will continue to be felt long after she’s left us. This announcement led the LeadingAge Ohio Board and membership to engage in a search process for the next leader of the association. Search firm the Deffet Group has been assisting our member-led search committee, chaired by National Church Residences' Danielle Willis, in navigating this process.
I am pleased to announced that late last week the LeadingAge Ohio Board of Directors confirmed Susan Wallace, LeadingAge Ohio's Chief Policy Officer, as its next President/CEO. Susan began at LeadingAge Ohio following eight years with the Midwest Care Alliance prior to its merger with LeadingAge Ohio in 2014.
Susan has steered advocacy work for the association since 2019, serving as spokesperson and subject matter expert for Medicaid reimbursement and other policy issues. She began her career as a social worker with Mount Carmel Hospice prior to stepping into various quality-related roles at the Midwest Care Alliance, including operating a multi-state quality improvement program and advising the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the development of standardized quality measures for hospices. Susan has led our association through two state budgets, earning the respect of her peers and securing investments in Ohio’s nursing homes, adult day services, and home care providers, as well as advancing the conversation around end-of-life decisionmaking through her leadership of the Honoring Wishes Task Force.
Danielle Willis, member of the LeadingAge Ohio Board and Chair of the Search Committee, stated the following:
"The board has had the benefit of working with Susan over the years and experienced how she has led us in our efforts to be the trusted voice as an advocate for aging services in Ohio. Throughout the interview process, her passion for our mission and strategic thinking for how we will serve our members and seniors in the future was evident at each step. We are grateful that she accepted the offer to not only remain with LeadingAge Ohio, but to lead us."
Kathryn Brod stated the following on the selection:
"I have seen Susan grow over the years into a respected policy expert and leader for our field, and I can't think of a better individual to take over as the next President/CEO of LeadingAge Ohio. Her expertise, strength, and compassion will serve our members and staff well as they continue to build upon the progress we've achieved."
On behalf of the Board of LeadingAge Ohio, we are more than confident in the selection of Susan Wallace in this new role. She will continue to provide strong leadership and advocacy that is necessary to support the members in current and future needs. We are grateful and proud of the work led by Kathryn who is leaving us in a position of strength.
We look forward to a bright future for LeadingAge Ohio under Susan's leadership, which reflects our association’s goals and values. If you have any questions related to this announcement, don't hesitate to reach out to me at Allison.Salopeck@jenningsohio.org.
A public announcement will be released today.
Thank you,
Allison Q. Salopeck
Chief Executive Officer, Jennings
LeadingAge Ohio Board Chair