About MNLCOA

In 2006, the oldest of the baby boom generation turned 60 and the age wave, sometimes called the graying of America took on a new meaning. The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging was formed in 2004 to increase recognition of changing demographics. 

The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging advocates for planning that embraces the strengths, talents and needs of an aging demographic and urges the public, private and non-profit sectors to engage in the building of Communities For A Lifetime.

The Council has an annual Policy Summit each December to discuss issues faced by older adults and their families in Minnesota.

 

Our Mission

The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging exists to coalesce the resources and power of  consumer, advocacy, social and health service organizations, to boldly advocate for and achieve positive system changes for older adults and their families in Minnesota.

Our Vision

The Council's strategic vision is that comprehensive home and community-based resources exist to support Minnesota's older adults and their caregivers, recognizing older adults as assets in their communities, appreciating their cultural, social and economic diversity, and championing their need for a simplified, seamless, person-centered, high-quality delivery system that bridges medical and social needs.

MNLCOA Structure and Leadership

The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging was organized through the efforts of the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging and the Minnesota Senior Federation (Mature Voices Minnesota).  Initially, eleven organizations came together to form the Council. Today there are sixteen member agencies who are committed to serving the aging population throughout Minnesota.

The Council meets monthly and leadership is provided by co-chairs that serve two-year staggered terms to ensure continuity.  Two committees (Policy and Networking) meet monthly to carry out the work of the Council.  Decisions of the MNLCOA are made by consensus with each organization/agency having an equal voice.

Member Agencies and Their Council Representative

MNLCOA member agencies and their staff representatives include:

  •   AARP Minnesota - Michele Kimball, Senior State Director                                         

  •   Aging Services of Minnesota - Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO

  •   Alzheimer's Association Minnesota - North Dakota Chapter - Mary Birchard, Executive Director

  •   Amherst H. Wilder Foundation - Leni WIlcox, Division Director Community Services for the Elderly

  •   Care Providers of Minnesota - Patti Cullen, President & CEO

  •   DARTS - Mark Hoisser, President

  •   Elderberry Institute - Kathy Kelso, Executive Director

  •   ElderCare Rights Alliance - Janet Golden, Executive Director

  •   Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota - Jeri Schoonover, Vice President of Community Services

  •   Mature Voices of Minnesota - Lee Graczyk, Executive Director

  •   Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging - Dawn Simonson, Executive Director MAAA

  •   Minnesota Home Care Association - Neil Johnson, Executive Director

  •   Minnesota Medical Directors Association - Dr. Edward Ratner, Past President

  •   Minnesota Network of Hospice and Palliative Care - Michele Fedderly, Executive Director

  •   Senior Community Services - Ben Withhart, Executive Director

  •   Volunteers of American of Minnesota - Mike Weber, President & CEO                          

  

 

 

 

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