News

Learn on Your Time: 18 New On-Demand Webinars Added to Our Learning Center

On June 18, 2026 by Sharon Hollister

Professional development just became even more convenient. LeadingAge Minnesota has added 18 new webinars to our online Learning Center, giving members access to timely education on clinical care, workforce development, leadership, risk management, reimbursement, dementia care, ethics, and more.

Leadership Academy Launches 2026 Cohort

On June 4, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

The 2026 LeadingAge Minnesota Leadership Academy officially launched in May with a two-day session focused on Authentic Leadership — setting the stage for a year of reflection, growth, and connection.

Guardian Pharmacy of Minnesota Promotes Jeff Kerr to President of Sauk Rapids Pharmacy

On May 14, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Guardian Pharmacy of Minnesota, a member of Guardian Pharmacy Services, one of the nation’s leading long-term care (LTC) pharmacy services companies, recently announced the promotion of Jeff Kerr to pharmacy president of the Sauk Rapids pharmacy.

Leadership Academy Welcomes the 2026 Cohort, Sets New Milestone

On May 7, 2026 by Barbara Landeen

Leadership in aging services has never mattered more. At a time of growing complexity and change, LeadingAge Minnesota is proud to welcome the 2026 Leadership Academy class — an extraordinary group of 46 emerging and established leaders committed to shaping the future of aging services with courage, compassion, and purpose.

Celebrating the 2026 Stars Among Us Award Winners

On February 12, 2026 by Ben Hansen

On February 10, 2026, LeadingAge Minnesota proudly honored the very best of aging services at our annual Stars Among Us Awards Banquet. For more than 35 years, our Stars Among Us Awards have recognized the individuals and organizations whose leadership, compassion, innovation, and dedication elevate the lives of older adults across Minnesota.

Health Dimensions Group® Names Erin Hilligan Chief Operating Officer

On September 18, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Health Dimensions Group^® (HDG^®), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, Minn., has named Erin Hilligan as its chief operating officer (COO). With this role, Hilligan joins HDG’s Executive Leadership Team.

Bob Dahl, Outgoing CEO of Cassia, Honored with LeadingAge Minnesota Lifetime Achievement Award

On September 18, 2025 by Ben Hansen

Celebrating a Legacy of Vision, Service, and Leadership in Aging Services

LeadingAge Minnesota is proud to honor Bob Dahl, outgoing President and CEO of Cassia, with our prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award — one of the highest honors bestowed by the association. Reserved for individuals who are retiring from a career of distinction in aging services, the award recognizes visionary leadership, enduring impact, and a legacy that inspires future generations.

Cassia appoints Matthew Kern as next CEO

On August 7, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Cassia is pleased to announce Matthew Kern as its next president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 1, 2025.

Vista Prairie Communities Expands Leadership Team – Kacey Kasel Appointed as Regional Director of Operations

On April 17, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Earlier this week, Vista Prairie Communities (VPC) is pleased announced the return of Kacey Kasel, RN, BSN, PHN, LALD as a Regional Director of Operations (RDO). In this expanded leadership role, Kacey will provide additional operational support to VPC’s communities, ensuring a continued focus on excellence in care, team development, and resident well-being.

Health Dimensions Group® Names Barbara Klick Executive Vice President of Quality

On March 20, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Health Dimensions Group® (HDG®), a leading senior living, post-acute, and long-term care management and consulting firm based in Minneapolis, MN, announced that they have hired Barbara Klick as executive vice president of quality. With this position, Klick will join HDG’s Executive Leadership Team.

Nurse Leadership Program – Register by March 18

On March 6, 2025 by Sharon Hollister

New and emerging nurse leaders in skilled nursing care centers, assisted living, or home care settings will gain a solid understanding of the foundational elements that make up the nurse leader’s role by attending LeadingAge Minnesota’s Nurse Leadership Program.

2025 Leadership Academy Dates Announced and Applications are Open

On January 9, 2025 by Barbara Landeen

Applications for the 2025 Leadership Academy are now open.

Leadership Academy is a unique program with a 15-year track record of developing leadership capacity and core competencies of aging services professionals by tapping their natural talents and authentic leadership style.

Bob Dahl, President and CEO of Cassia, Announces Retirement

On December 5, 2024 by LeadingAge Minnesota

On Dec. 3, 2024, Bob Dahl, President and CEO of Cassia, formally announced his plan to retire in January 2026.

Congratulations to Our New District Officers

On October 24, 2024 by Barbara Landeen

LeadingAge Minnesota consists of seven geographical districts which serve an important governance function of the association.

Call for District Leadership Nominations: District Officer and Director Elections at October District Meetings

On September 12, 2024 by Barbara Landeen

Elections will be held for several open District Officer and Director positions during the upcoming October district meetings. This is a call for nominations to fill these important leadership positions.

New – Nov. 5 Governance Webinar: Executive Leadership Transitions and the Board’s Role

On August 22, 2024 by Sharon Hollister

Registration is open for the Nov. 5 webinar, Executive Leadership Transitions and the Board’s Role.

Episcopal Homes of Minnesota Participates in Long-Term Care Facility Summit at the White House

On July 25, 2024 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Episcopal Homes of Minnesota was recently selected to attend the Long-Term Care Leadership Summit 3.0 at the White House.

Benedictine Appoints Jill Hackenmueller to SVP of People Development Role

On April 25, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran

Jill Hackenmueller has been appointed as senior vice president, people development at Benedictine, a LeadingAge Minnesota member and leading faith-based provider of senior care and senior living services in the Midwest.

Jon Dittman Named Manager of Consulting Services at Health Dimensions Group

On March 7, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran

LeadingAge Minnesota member Health Dimensions Group® proudly announces Jon Dittman's promotion to Manager of Consulting Services.

Bethesda Announces New Vice President of Development and Marketing

On February 15, 2024 by Libbie Chapuran

Kristin Rucks is the new Vice President of Development and Marketing at Bethesda, a long-time member of LeadingAge Minnesota, serving seniors in and around Willmar, MN.