Staff Team

Adam Suomala

(he/him)

The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging Board of Directors named Adam Suomala the President and Executive Director in April 2020.

Adam came to the role with a deep respect for the Council's work, having served 20 years at member LeadingAge Minnesota - most recently as Vice President of Membership and Strategic Affiliations - and as a past President of member Minnesota Gerontological Society.

From his work in the halls of the State Capitol on aging policy or in communities across the state coordinating grassroots advocacy, to his thought leadership on workforce solutions or person-directed services, Suomala has been dedicated to the field of aging since 2000.

In his role, Adam leads the collaborative in its strategic priorities and is responsible for managing all critical business functions, staff, grants and contracts for the non-profit organization. He also serves as Convener of the Finish Strong Funders Network for Aging Services and staff to the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition.

Suomala holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. 

Chao Yang

(she/her)

Chao joined the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging team as Director of Equity in December 2022.

A first-generation Hmong American Woman, Yang brings a proven commitment to the aging sector and a passion for the engagement of cultural communities to this statewide leadership role. She has a proven track record of empowering people through collective efforts and leading change through research, policy and programming.

Chao brings a rich history of service and experience to the role, including as an Asian Health Liaison for policymakers, supervisor of the Asian COVID-19 Response Team, Assistant Director for the University of Minnesota's Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Senior Public Health Educator for Ramsey County Public Health, and Community Health Coordinator at the University of Minnesota. She has also served in key roles at Nexus Community Partners, Minnesota Council of Foundations, and the YMCA.

In her role, Chao leads the overall development and implementation of strategic projects for both the Leadership Council and the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition to champion diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities in which to age.

Yang holds a BS in Human Resource Development/Business Marketing Education from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities as well as a Master's in Public Health (MPH) from their Executive Public Health Administration and Policy program.

Nida Yamin

(she/her)

Nida joined the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging team in November 2023 as an Intern through the Robert L. Kane Endowed Chair in Long-Term Care and Aging.

As a passionate and dedicated healthcare professional, she is helping to integrate the work of the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition and elevate the understanding of older adults from diverse communities amongst the Leadership Council, partners and state policymakers.

Yamin has a Bachelors in Physiotherapy from Jamia Hamdard, an MA in Sustainable Development Practice from the TERI School of Advanced Studies, and will complete her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2024 from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Kate Grathwol

(she/her)

A former Delegate and Board member for the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging, Kate joined the staff team in March 2024 to lead efforts related to Age-Friendly Minnesota grantmaking. In this role, she helps to ensure as streamlined and equitable a process as possible for Technical Assistance Providers and community grantees. 

Kate brings a proven history of executive service and life experience to her work in the aging sector, including as a past President/CEO for Vision Loss Resources, DeafBlind Services Minnesota, and Contract Production Services. She also serves as a Minnesota Board on Aging member, and a past leader in the Women Presidents' Organization, Women's Health Leadership TRUST, VisionServe Alliance, and is an alumni of the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute.

Grathwol has a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, an MS in Vision Rehabilitation from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and a Ph.D from Walden University.

Kate Seng

(she/her)

Kate joined the staff team in April 2024 to serve as Co-Convener of the Finish Strong Funders Network. In this role, she provides support and technical assistance to Minnesota’s public and private funders of aging services and works to ensure vibrant communities in Minnesota support and recognize the assets and needs of older adults.

Kate is a seasoned nonprofit professional with deep skills in strategy, program development, facilitation, grant review, and governance. She has held several leadership positions in philanthropy, including at the GHR Foundation, Arbor Philanthropy, Opus Philanthropy Group, and United Way in addition to her own consulting practice.

Seng has a BA in Political Science from St. Catherine University and a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Vera Ndumbe

(she/her)

Vera first joined the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging team in August 2021 to serve as Interim Director of Equity, where she played an integral part in developing statewide efforts to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities in which to age. In this role, she wrote grants, provided primary staff support to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, provided education trainings, and supported the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition. 

Today, "Dr. V" continues to work alongside the Leadership Council and our members as an ally and contractor on special projects.

Ndumbe has a BA in Social Work from Winona State University, an MA in Gerontology from Minnesota State University - Mankato, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Education from St. Mary's University.