New District Officers Elected at June Meetings

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Barbara Landeen

Elections were held to fill several vacant District Officer positions at the recent District Meetings. Each of the seven geographical districts in the state is represented by an elected slate of officers – District Chair, Chair-Elect, Secretary, and District Board Director.

Congratulations to the newly elected officers:

• District B Chair-Elect: Jessica Wolf, Executive Director, River Grand, Grand Rapids
• District B Secretary: Nichole Houg, Executive Director, Majestic Pines, Grand Rapids
• District C Secretary: Brittney Thoreson, Vice President of Operations, Knute Nelson, Alexandria
• District D Secretary: Paul Metzler, Campus Administrator, Elim Wellspring, Princeton
• District E Secretary: Laura Eaton, Activity Director, Avera Granite Falls Care Center

Members enjoyed an interactive and conversational District Meeting experience this month. The meeting featured a summary of LeadingAge Minnesota Annual Member Survey results presented by President and CEO Kari Thurlow, followed by discussion and feedback. The annual survey provides critical and timely data for staff and the Board of Directors strategic planning retreat on how the Association is meeting members’ needs and how the aging services sector is doing as a whole.

Each District Meeting featured a local member sharing an innovative initiative or program in their community. There is a lot of exciting activity happening in Minnesota! Thank you to these members who shared their innovations:

• Districts A, B, and D: In-facility nurse aide testing pilot programs have decreased travel and wait time and increased the workforce. Thanks to Lifecare Roseau Manor, Elim Wellspring, North Shore Health Care Center, and CentraCare Melrose Care Center for sharing your experience!
• District C: Connected Community initiatives in Alexandria and Perham are creating an integrated and coordinated care system across health care, social services, and aging services to help older adults age well. Thanks to Perham Living and Knute Nelson for sharing your experience!
• Districts E and G: Vista Prairie Communities is piloting new CarePredict technology in two communities that will detect meaningful changes in resident activity patterns and is proven to reduce hospitalizations and falls and increase length of stay.
• District F: Prairie Senior Cottages’ innovative caregiver mentor program builds leaders from within. 

Mark your calendars now for the next District Meetings in October. District Meetings are open to any staff in a member community interested in learning more and connecting with regional peers.

• District A: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9 – Noon
• District B: Thursday, Oct. 19, 9 – Noon
• District C: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1 – 4 p.m.
• District D: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 9 – Noon
• District E: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 9 – Noon
• District F: Thursday, Oct. 26, 9 – Noon
• District G: Friday, Oct. 27, 9 – Noon

If your community is interested in hosting your district meeting, contact Barbara Landeen.