Speakers

2019 RECAP

MEET OUR 2019 SPEAKERS

Gale Adland

Gale Singer Adland is the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Durham. She serves on the board of Meals on Wheels North Carolina, and is currently the treasurer of that organization. Gale is a member of the board of All Good Things Durham, a nonprofit representative payee organization. She spent 8 years on the board of Judea Reform Congregation, including a 2 year term as president. Gale has served on the Advisory Board for Partners for Youth Opportunity- an organization that partners with the community to provide Durham youth with opportunities to connect, develop, and contribute through mentoring, employment and educational support. She also participates in the Durham Partnership for Seniors, Durham Congregations in Action, and Durham CAN (Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods). She serves as a mentor for the Broadhead Service Program at Duke University as an A.B. Duke Scholar, with majors in Computer Science and Management Science. After working in IT for 30 years, Gale completed a certificate in Non-Profit Management at Duke University, and began working in the nonprofit sector.

Technology, Systems, Software and Saving Solutions on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Mark Adler, MPH

Mark Adler, MPH is the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels South Florida. He has been a part of the Meals on Wheels team for more than eight years and has been Executive Director for the last six years. Mark has served as the President of Meals on Wheels Florida since 2015. He brings his 30+ years of experience in a broad and diverse background in nonprofit management to the vision of ending hunger across all ages with kindness, dignity and compassion. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of California, and his secondary degree in political science from L’Universite de Grenoble in France, Mark returned to San Diego for his Master of Public Health Administration. Throughout and after his academic experience, Mark continued his career in diverse roles in nonprofit public health management serving as Senior Vice President of Planned Parenthood of South Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Regional Health Planner for the Peace Corps in Guyana, South America, and as Executive Director for Sunshine Social Services in South Florida.

More Than Just a Headcount: The 2020 Census on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Ucheoma (Uche) Akobundu, PhD, RD

Dr. Akobundu is a Registered Dietitian and serves as the Senior Director of Nutrition Strategy at Meals on Wheels America where she leads the development and implementation of the Association’s strategy on nutrition and malnutrition. This work includes the design and execution of projects that demonstrate and strengthen the evidence base for senior nutrition programs. In addition, she works collaboratively at the national level to build knowledge and skills among nutrition and aging professionals in healthcare integration, business acumen development, program evaluation, and food service management arenas. She also serves as the director of the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, awarded to Meals on Wheels America by the Administration for Community Living of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Akobundu holds a Master of Nutrition with a concentration in public health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Doctorate Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Maryland, College Park.

NRCNA: Imagining an Innovative and Sustainable Future Through Creative Thinking on Monday, August 26 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Future-Proofing the Congregate Meal Program on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Consistent Service Offerings – Nutrition on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Heather Allard, MA

Heather Allard is the program manager for the PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program at Meals on Wheels Central Texas. She has a professional, educational, and volunteer background in animal welfare. Prior to joining MOWCTX, Heather worked at the Austin Humane Society and earned her master’s degree in Geography at UT Austin. During her eight year tenure with PALS, she has worked to both expand and deepen the reach of PALS, and the program has grown substantially. In addition, Heather was elected as the first chairperson of the Meals on Wheels America Pet Advisory Council. In this capacity, she has been able to share resources and knowledge with other organizations starting or growing their own pet assistance programs. She has also presented at state and national conferences, and on Meals on Wheels America webinars about pet assistance programs. Heather continues to volunteer in animal welfare, as a foster for orphaned kittens and puppies at local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Systems Change: Leveraging Animal Welfare to Create or Expand Pet Programs on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Jeanne Allen

Jeanne Allen is an expert in board and leadership development, strategic planning, change management, volunteer management and social media strategy. She consults at the intersection of Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Technology in the nonprofit sector. Jeanne is passionate about effective nonprofit management and leadership, and building relationships with and between all the stakeholders: volunteers, members, staff and board leadership. Additionally, Jeanne is an Instructor in the Duke University Nonprofit Management Program where she teaches Board Development and Governance, Strategic Planning, Social Media Strategy and Policy for Nonprofits, and Volunteer Management. She designs and delivers webinars for several organizations, including BoardSource, Nonprofit Technology Education Network, Idealware and Nonprofit Web Advisor. Jeanne is proud to be a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer with expert knowledge of effective governance principles. Recently, Jeanne became a Certified Instructor in the Service Enterprise Program, which is sponsored by Points of Light Foundation.

Getting Your Board on Board with New Ideas and New Mindsets on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Kelly Anderson

Kelly Anderson is the CEO of FRESH Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County, Inc. With over 20 years of nonprofit management, Kelly considers service to others be an honor and joy. Her lifelong fascination with innovation and change was leveraged to help produce a revolution in home-delivered meals. Thanks to partners and supporters across industries, in 2012 FRESH MOW became a signature all-fresh program, growing produce (and even raising some pigs!), and employing a high-end kitchen crew capable of efficiently producing delicious medically-complex diets. Because of the switch to FRESH MOW, healthcare partnerships formed and rapidly evolved - the program now works closely with a hospital system and schools of nursing and pharmacy, creating better wrap-around patient-centered care. FRESH MOW is a small/medium program based on the shores of Lake Michigan, in Wisconsin; close enough to Canada to feel the cold and near enough to Chicago to find good shoes. Kelly finds data management critical to the development of funds and maintenance of high-quality programming, and knows that even the smallest program can build a competent data system.

It's All About The Data - Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Eve Anthony

Eve Anthony is the CEO of Athens Community Council on Aging. She began working with the Athens Community Council on Aging in 2000 as the Director of the Winder/Barrow Adult Day Health Center. She advanced throughout the agency over the last 18 years and was named CEO in November of 2017. Eve’s passion is serving older adults and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live and age well. As the CEO of one of the oldest and largest aging service providers in the southeast, Eve utilizes her leadership strengths and expertise to manage staff, oversee programs and services, engage community partnerships, and advocate for older adults at the local, state and national level. Eve is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a Professional Certification in Gerontology from Kennesaw State. Eve serves as a member and officer in several state association boards including the Georgia Gerontology Society, LeadingAge Georgia, and the Meals on Wheels Association of Georgia. Eve also contributes her expertise as an advisor and committee chair to the Georgia Alzheimer and Related Dementia State Plan and the Georgia Senior Hunger State Plan Committee. She was recently appointed as a member of the Governor-created State of Georgia Older Adults Cabinet.

Building Bridges to Improve Service - Part 2 on Tuesday August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Stephanie Archer-Smith, MS

Stephanie Archer-Smith, MS, is Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Central Maryland, Inc. She is a seasoned professional with 35 years of experience working with vulnerable populations throughout the life cycle in private, public and nonprofit human service organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in psychology, and a Master of Arts in applied psychology from the University of Baltimore. Throughout her career, Stephanie has blended strategic thought leadership, business acumen and interpersonal skills to further organization vision, growth and effectiveness. Since starting with Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland seven years ago, Stephanie has led organization growth by establishing innovative and groundbreaking programs to better serve seniors aging in place, establishing partnerships in the healthcare community and integrating technology into service delivery.

Healthcare 101 - An Introduction to Partnerships and Possibilities on Monday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sarah Arvey, PhD

Sarah joined HMA as Senior Consultant in 2016. Sarah has long-term experience leading large-scale evaluations to make recommendations for effective change. Her expertise lies in population health and making sense of how cultural and social drivers influence health behaviors and outcomes. Over the past three years, Sarah has led national and local Medicaid-managed care organizations in developing competitive bids for Texas Medicaid programs for children, adults and individuals with special needs. Before joining HMA, Sarah served as the Director of Research and Evaluation at the Livestrong Foundation in Austin. There, she oversaw the systematic evaluation of direct patient support services. With the intent of making her work accessible and understandable to diverse audiences, Sarah publishes findings in professional journals and in reports and graphic formats suitable for programmatic and lay audiences. She received postdoctoral training in health promotion and behavior at the University of Texas, School of Public Health. She holds a PhD from The University of Michigan, a Master of Arts from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley.

A Current State Overview of the Medicaid Landscape on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Celia Barker, PMP

Celia Barker, PMP, is Project Director on the Strategy and Impact team at Meals on Wheels America. She delivers project management expertise and best practices, which includes management of the portfolio of healthcare integration and Pay for Success endeavors. Celia interfaces with senior nutrition programs, healthcare entities and consultants daily to maintain open communication throughout project teams. She also works with project teams to identify and design service processes. Prior to joining Meals on Wheels America in 2017, Celia managed a wide range of projects, such as product commercialization, software implementation and process improvement.

Healthcare 101 - An Introduction to Partnerships and Possibilities on Monday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Secret to Successful Healthcare Partnerships on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Michele F. Bellantoni, MD, CMD

Michele Bellantoni, MD, CMD, is Associate Professor and Clinical Director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the Medical Director of the Specialty Hospital Programs of the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Skilled Nursing Facility Collaborative. Dr. Bellantoni received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, and a medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Bellantoni was appointed in 2007 to the Long-Term Care Governing Council of the American Hospital Association, serving as committee chair in 2011. She is the current chair of the annual program committee of AMDA, the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine and was a member of the society’s Board of Directors from 2015-2018. She is Vice President of the Mid-Atlantic Medical Directors Association, and continues to serve on the annual meeting committee after serving as committee chair for three years. Currently, Dr. Bellantoni’s academic work is focused on improving transitions in care, revising electronic health record templates to standardize physical, cognitive and functional status and communicate goals of care and medical treatment plans from hospital to SNF, to community. She represents Johns Hopkins in the Seniors Quality Leap Initiative, a North American collaborative of nursing homes with a mission to share quality data and improve practices.

Luncheon Keynote Panel: Tackling the Senior Population’s Greatest Challenges Together on Wednesday, August 28 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Doug Boedeker, CPA

Doug Boedeker, CPA, is a partner in Tate & Tryon’s Audit and Assurance Services practice and also oversees the firm's Exempt Organization Tax group. He has more than 20 years of experience providing an array of audit, tax and consulting services to nonprofit organizations. Doug is a frequent speaker on nonprofit accounting and tax topics and has presented at industry conferences and provided educational training for the American Society of Association Executives, Independent Sector, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York. Doug graduated summa cum laude from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in accounting while simultaneously completing coursework for a second major in arts administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant and takes particular pride in the fact that his family has contained at least one CPA every year since 1923.

Navigating the Straits of Accounting Requirements Between Fundraising and Compliance on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m..

Renae Brown, MS, RD, LD

Renae Brown, MS, RD, LD, is the Chief Dietitian and Nutritionist for the Division of Aging Services, a section of the Georgia Department of Human Services. In this role, she leads a state-level planning team to implement wellness programs and senior hunger initiatives, including home-delivered and congregate meal services. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Renae began her nutrition career as a sustainable farmer and led a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $34,500 in 30 days to connect food desert residents to employment and fresh produce. As a dietitian for the Memphis VA Medical Center, she saw the striking relationship between food insecurity and chronic disease, and thereafter, transitioned to her current role in public policy. Her primary goal is to reduce malnutrition in older adults by creating socioeconomic frameworks that treat and prevent it.

Imagining an Innovative and Sustainable Future Through Creative Thinking (NRCNA) on Monday, August 26 from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Exploring Quality in Nutrition Programs and Why it Matters - Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Shawna Callaghan, MS

Shawna Callaghan, MS, is the Director of Programs at Senior Resource Association, a local nonprofit that serves Indian River County seniors with programs that include two Adult Day Cares, Meals on Wheels, In-Home Services, Guardianship and Information Referral. She is an innovative business strategy and operations executive, having honed her acumen in executive management in the tech industry before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. Shawna has extensive change management, operations management and performance improvement experience and is comfortable with all stages of organizational transition including start-ups, turnovers, mergers and acquisitions. With the population of seniors projected to nearly double in the next three decades she has entered a career in the Aging Network at a time when it is challenged to transform to meet the growing demand for senior services. She is dedicated to applying her expertise to assure the continued availability of services for the elderly and their caregivers well into the future. She studied medical anthropology as an undergraduate, and holds a Master of Science in organizational leadership with an emphasis on performance improvement and strategy.

The 3 R’s of Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, Recognition and Retention - Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Tiffany Gourley Carter

Tiffany Gourley Carter is State Policy Counsel at the Council of Nonprofits' Team. She moved to DC from Honolulu, where she served as a legislative attorney for the Hawaii Legislature, supporting lawmakers on a wide range of issues. Previously, she externed at the Hawai`i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations, tracking legislation of interest to nonprofit organizations, and at the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office, working in the Tax and Charities Division researching nonprofit compliance. A native of small-town Western Pennsylvania, Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of Colorado – Boulder in 2008 and her law degree at the University of Hawaii in 2012, receiving the CALI Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Organizations. Before law school, she started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on raising and disbursing funds for educational scholarships and volunteer grants and has since helped create and consult on several 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. In her free time, Tiffany loves surfing, skiing, traveling the world and chasing after adventure.

More Than Just a Headcount: The 2020 Census on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Debbie Case

Debbie Case is the President and CEO of Meals on Wheels San Diego. She has extensive experience in both executive level nonprofit management, as well as senior level retail. She is an entrepreneur at heart. Her creative and motivational skill sets enable her to drive revenue through short and long term strategic planning and effective prioritization of tactical activities. She is passionate about the senior clients at Meals on Wheels San Diego County and is devoted to their health and well-being. An Ohio University Graduate with a triple major in Pre-Med, Physical Therapy and Psychology, Debbie attended the State University of Buffalo School of Medicine for several years. Her thirst for knowledge continues with a Certification in Strategic and Systems Thinking and most recently, she attended the Harvard Business School Non-for-Profit Program in San Diego. Debbie also serves the community by being a Founder and Leader of the San Diego Senior Alliance, Founder and Past President of Meals on Wheels California State Association, and a Patron Member of the Board of Directors of USO San Diego. She has served on the Board of Meals on Wheels America for the past seven years. Debbie is retiring in January of 2020 and will relaunch Case by Case Strategies consulting to assist other nonprofits reach their fullest potential.

The Secret to Successful Healthcare Partnerships on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Bechara Choucair, MD

Bechara Choucair, MD, is Senior Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer at Kaiser Permanente. He oversees the organization’s national community health efforts and philanthropic giving activities aimed at improving the health of its 12.4 million members and the 68 million people who live in the communities it serves. Prior to joining Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Choucair was the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health for five years before serving as senior vice president, Safety Net and Community Health at Trinity Health. In 2018, Dr. Choucair was named #10 on Modern Healthcare’s list of the 50 Most Influential Health Executives in the U.S.

Breakfast Keynote: Bechara Choucair, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Health Officer, Kaiser Permanente on Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Charles Cloutman

Charles Cloutman is Vice President for Home Repair, Meals on Wheels Central Texas. He started there in 2008 as a volunteer in their Handy Wheels program. In 2010, when Meals on Wheels Central Texas created their Home Repair program, Charles was chosen to lead the initiative because of his vast experience in construction. Under his guidance, the Home Repair program has grown to be one of the largest in Texas. Charles is the current Chair of the Austin Building and Standards Commission and Vice Chair of the Austin Housing Coalition (formerly CHDO Roundtable). He also is a member of the Texas Veterans Commission's Housing Advisory Committee and the State of Texas Disability and Accessibility Workgroup. He previously served as the Chair of the Austin Housing Repair Coalition.

Ready for an Emergency? You Can Be! - Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Danielle Collins, ACC, NBC-HWC

Danielle Collins is a professional coach that helps nonprofit employees who are burning out renew their passion. She is pioneering a movement to create a culture of well-being in the nonprofit world. Danielle also has a long history as a fundraiser. After her third successful capital campaign, she burned out. After re-evaluating her career, Danielle earned her Associate Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation. She is also a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Today, she uses a values-based approach to help her clients transform their lives. While she originally hails from Virginia, Danielle has lived in California since 1994 (little of her Southern accent remains, but every now and then she will gleefully say “y’all”). She earned a Master of Arts in communication studies from the University of Michigan, and today she and her husband live outside of Sacramento with their wild dog, Boo.

Creating an Organizational Culture of Well-being on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Steven R. Cook, DMin, MDiv

Steven R. Cook is Vice President of Client Services and has been with Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County since 2004. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services in 1998, a Master of Divinity in 2006 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2017. He was a caseworker for 12 years before becoming Vice President of the Client Services department in 2016. He currently oversees 12 caseworkers who provide direct care for approximately 2,400 clients in Tarrant County, comprised mainly of elderly and disabled persons. The caseworkers make nearly 12,000 home visits annually, determining eligibility for the Meals on Wheels program and coordinating additional services as needed. In addition to his work at Meals on Wheels, Inc., Steven serves on the Tarrant County Adult Protective Services Community Board, the Falls Prevention Taskforce, the Elder Abuse Prevention Taskforce and the Tarrant County Hoarding Taskforce.

Building Bridges to Improve Service – Part 2 on Tuesday August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Betsy Cox, MA, CVA

Betsy Cox, MA, CVA is the Executive Director at Tri County Meals on Wheels. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the provision of community-based services. Prior to her association at with Tri County Meals on Wheels, she served as the Managing Director of VNA Meals on Wheels & Nutrition Services and was a research scientist at the University of North Texas’ Minority Aging Research Institute, where she studied family caregiving in the Hispanic population. Betsy has a master’s degree in Administration of Aging Organizations from the University of North Texas, a bachelor’s degree in gerontology from Stephen F. Austin State University, and is certified in volunteer administration by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration.

Promising Practices in Food Service on Thursday August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sharron Crawford Corle, MS

Sharron Crawford Corle, MS is Director for Learning and Development at Meals on Wheels America. She is responsible for developing the overall learning strategy for the organization, as well as developing compelling and relevant learning events (such as Conference sessions) for Meals on Wheels America Members. She’s never happier than when she can dig into a learning need and find a learning solution that can help people grow and perform better. In addition to a thorough knowledge of adult learning theory and best training program practices, she brings 13 years of public health experience to her role. She has a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Master of Science in human development from Virginia Tech University – with a focus on adult learning and human resource development — and over 15 years’ experience of learning and development experience.

Activating Around Our Assets on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Jennifer Covert

Jennifer Covert is the Program Director at North Area Meals on Wheels. She is responsible for all day-to- day activities related to the clients, volunteers, kitchen staff, case managers and general administration of the program. Jennifer also focuses on the pursuit of grants, care of and support to volunteers, fundraising and client growth. Previously, she was the President of the Autism Association of Northeast Arkansas. She attended the State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam and has over 15 years of leadership and management experience.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate –Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate –Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

T. Lee Covington, MPA

T. Lee Covington, MPA, is President and CEO of Senior Services, Inc. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Lee has been involved in various nonprofit leadership positions for more than 28 years and has served as Executive Director of Rockingham County’s Aging, Disability and Transit Services for six years before joining Senior Services. In addition to his successful management of local nonprofits, Lee has served as president of the North Carolina Association on Aging (NCAOA) and Meals on Wheels North Carolina. Lee majored in business administration and finance with a minor in music at Elon University, and has a Master of Public Administration from UNC Greensboro with a concentration in nonprofit management, and more recently, an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Duke University.

It's All About the Data – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Lindsay Del Chiaro

Lindsay Del Chiaro is the Director of Community Relations and Programs at PetSmart Charities, where she leads the teams responsible for grantmaking, adoptions, and relationship management in the US and Canada. Lindsay has spent much of her professional career in philanthropy, recognizing the true impact a for-profit or non-profit organization can make on its broader community. Before joining PetSmart Charities in November 2015, Lindsay spent two years establishing national partnerships focusing on the human-animal bond for PetSmart Inc.’s corporate philanthropy arm, PetSmart Gives Back. She spent the previous eight years in professional baseball, where she oversaw community outreach with the Angels Baseball Club and the Angels Baseball Foundation. Lindsay is a Southern Californian native and graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa member at UCLA. She and her husband, Brenton, have a four-year-old son, Beckett, a baby daughter, Cora, and a mixed-breed dog, Maya.

Systems Change: Leveraging Animal Welfare to Create or Expand Pet Programs on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Art Crawford

Art Crawford is the Chief Executive Officer of Silver Sage Community Center. With over 15 years of experience serving on nonprofit boards, Art has brought his experience and vision to Silver Sage. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Silver Sage as well as President of the Bandera Economic Development Corporation, President of Texas Heritage Music Foundation and serves on numerous other regional and statewide boards. Art's approach to fundraising involves his musical talent and often his band. This music has taken him throughout the United States and Europe for performances. By combining stories and song, he strikes an emotional chord among funders on a level unmatched through traditional fundraising methods.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Doyle Delph

Doyle Delph is Manager for Member Relations and Business Services at Meals on Wheels America. In 2014, Doyle began volunteering for Meals on Wheels America and joined the team as Special Projects Manager October 2015. He’s currently working as the Manager for Member Relations and Business Services. Previously, Doyle has been a respected leader in the national and international non-profit sector for over three decades, innovating and executing collaborative public-private partnerships that achieve financial, social and environmental performance goals. Since 1989, Doyle has provided proven product donation and resource development for Fortune 500 clients including manufacturers and retailers. Doyle held several key leadership positions with Good360. As the Vice President of Donor Relations, he oversaw the development, implementation and coordination for all major donation programs. Doyle retired from Good360 in 2014. Prior to Good360, Doyle was the Distribution Center Manager for Ace Hardware Corporation’s East Coast customer service center that supported over 600 Ace Hardware retail outlets. Doyle has a master’s degree in business education from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Science in business administration and education from The Defiance College.

Technology, Systems, Software and Saving Solutions on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Sarah Drew-Watson

Sarah Drew-Watson is a dynamic Volunteer Management professional with over 10 years’ experience recruiting, training and scheduling volunteers. In her current role as Vice President of Volunteer Services for Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County, Sarah supervises over 5,000 volunteers that deliver 229 meal routes daily to the homebound and disabled of Tarrant County. She believes that one of the most crucial elements for all nonprofits to fulfill their mission is to have engaged, empowered and appreciated volunteers. Sarah finds helping volunteers discover their passion and ability to effect positive change in their community to be one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

The 3 R’s of Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, Recognition and Retention – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Candace Duerr, MA, LD/N

Candace Duerr, MA, LD/N is a Region Manager for Premier, Inc. Nationally and has been with the organization a total of 9 years. Prior to Premier Inc, Candace worked for US Foods as a Healthcare Specialist and Dietitian prior. Her core specialties include Meals on Wheels foodservice practices, as well as all levels of Healthcare Foodservice and clinical practices, and is very passionate about what Meals on Wheels does for the elderly and the communities they serve. Candace a licensed dietitian and has received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from Florida State University as well as obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix.
Candace resides in Sarasota, FL and enjoys running and hot yoga in her free time, as well as volunteering for community outreach programs and is active in the Make-a-Wish foundation, Sarasota Humane Society and Forty Carrots.

How Discount Programs Allow You to Save More to Serve More on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Leigh Ann Eagle, BS

Leigh Ann Eagle, BS, is the Executive Director of the Living Well Center of Excellence, Project Living, the Project Director of the Chronic Disease ACL grant, and is a member of regional planning groups on chronic disease. She is also the Director of the Health & Wellness Program at MAC, Inc., an Area Agency on Aging that serves the four lower Eastern Shore counties. Ms. Eagle is responsible for all aspects of program design and management for the MAC, Inc. Health & Wellness Center, including public and private grants management. She manages a wide range of federal, state and private foundation grants. MAC Inc., under Leigh Ann's leadership, is connecting healthcare organizations with aging and community resources to coordinate evidence-based programs of care. She is a Master Trainer for Stepping On, Chronic Disease Self-Management and is certified in Patient Navigation. Leigh Ann was runner-up recipient of The John A. Hartford Foundation 2017 Business Innovation Award, and together with Peninsula Regional Medical Center, received the Health Quality Innovator of the Year Award in Population Health Innovations in October 2017. She is also a co-creator of the Stepping Up Your Nutrition malnutrition session, which received the International Council on Active Aging® 2017 Innovators Achievement Award and an n4a 2018 Aging Innovations Award in July 2018.

Overcoming Obstacles - Successful Strategies for Fall Prevention on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Shannon Ely, PhD, MPH, CHES

Shannon Ely, PhD, MPH, CHES, is Principal at Trailblazer Research. With 20+ years of experience in research, Shannon guides top brands and organizations through processes that surface unmet needs, define opportunities and realize potential in new offerings. Shannon has been at the helm of key strategic, technology and product engagements with Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Amazon, Under Armour and Honeywell. She has been a featured speaker for the Institute for International Research (IIR) and is heavily involved in the Association for Women in Science as well as Meals on Wheels America. Shannon Ely graduated summa cum laude with degrees in marketing and biochemistry in addition to graduate studies in marketing strategy at Johns Hopkins University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in consumer psychology from the University of Southern California. . Shannon is also an avid runner and mom of two teenage girls.

How to Leverage the Comprehensive Network Study on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Bonnie Ewald, MA

Bonnie Ewald, MA, is the Manager of Strategic Development and Policy for the Department of Social Work and Community Health at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. In this position, she leads several program development and policy advocacy initiatives related to integrating health care and social services at Rush. Bonnie is also the Associate Director of the Center for Health and Social Care Integration which is based at Rush and serves as a national convening and technical assistance hub to advance practices that break down barriers to health. Bonnie earned her Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 2018, a post-graduate certificate in sustainable urban design from Archeworks in 2013, and a Bachelor of Mathematics and Geography from the University of Wisconsin in 2011.

Building Bridges to Improve Service - Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

John Feather, PhD

John Feather, PhD, is the Chief Executive Officer of Grantmakers In Aging, the national association of grantmaking foundations and other organizations that work to improve the lives of older people. Prior to beginning that position in 2011, he was Executive Director and CEO of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the Director of the AARP Andrus Foundation and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Feather is Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society on Aging and a former officer or Board member of 12 other national nonprofit organizations. He has received the ASA Award, the highest honor of the American Society on Aging; was elected a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America; was selected as one of the “50 Influencers in Aging” by Next Avenue, PBS’ national information source on aging; and received the Ophelia Rinaldi Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Hispanic Council on Aging.

Luncheon Keynote Panel: Tackling the Senior Population’s Greatest Challenges Together on Wednesday, August 28 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Cindy Fink, MBA

Cindy Fink, MBA, is Executive Director of a small Meals on Wheels agency, she wears the hats of Administrator, Director of Public Relations and Marketing and Director of Fund Development. Cindy has worked in the nonprofit and senior services fields for 38 years as both an employee and as a volunteer. Over the years, she has served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations, both as a member and officer. Her experiences include agency operations and nonprofit policy making in organizations with budgets from $200,000 to $10 million. These experiences have provided her with the skills to manage purposeful growth of a 43-year-old agency. Her goal is developing a sustainable organization that can meet the needs of the community. Cindy is an active volunteer in her community, serving on the Board of Rowan Partners for Education and President-Elect of her Church Council. She is also Program Chair for the Salisbury Rotary Club. Cindy is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and she holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the Bryan School of Business at UNC Greensboro.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Carter Florence, DrPH(c), MPH

Carter Florence, DrPH(c) MPH, is Senior Director, Strategy and Impact at Meals on Wheels America, and joined the organization in 2018. Carter works with the Strategy and Impact team to understand, support and leverage the work on in-home safety delivered by Meals on Wheels programs. Carter is new to the aging community but has a long history working with and supporting community-based organizations to successfully design and implement health improvement programs and policies, specifically in rural and underserved areas. She is passionate about collaborating with unique partners to improve the health of communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Centre College and a Master of Public Health in community and behavioral health from East Tennessee State University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Public Health with a focus on implementing effective community engagement in rural communities.

Activating Around Our Assets on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Consistent Service Offerings – Socialization on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Consistent Service Offerings – In-Home Safety on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

How to Leverage the Comprehensive Network Study on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Gregg Fraley

Gregg Fraley is a speaker, trainer, author and consultant in the innovation field. His diverse experiences include founding technology companies, selling and marketing software, working as a television writer and producer and conducting qualitative research. Since 2003, his mission has been helping organizations of all kinds innovate. He’s the author of the business novel, Jack’s Notebook. The book reveals a creative problem solving framework through the use of fast-paced story. His customers include: Coca-Cola, Abbvie, Bosch, Sanofi, W.R. Grace, P&G, Georgia Pacific, Meals on Wheels and the United Nations. He’s a Distinguished Leader with the Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) and an Innovation Scholar at the University of Notre Dame.

Imagining an Innovative and Sustainable Future Through Creative Thinking (NRCNA) on Monday, August 26 from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Anita Frankhauser, MS, RDN, LDN

Anita Frankhauser, MS, RDN, LDN, is the Nutrition Director and Licensed Dietitian for Neighborly Care Network, a nonprofit organization based in Pinellas County, Florida, that provides Meals on Wheels, congregate dining, adult day services and transportation for older adults. She oversees all of the nutrition services and provides nutrition counseling for at-risk seniors. She completed her Master of Clinical Nutrition from Rosalind Franklin University and has experience working in inpatient, culinary and community nutrition.

New Opportunities for Medicare Advantage on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Ryan Gadzo, MPA

Ryan Gadzo is the Research Analyst for Erie County Department of Senior Services and will serve as Project Coordinator for Erie County. Gadzo has seven years of experience working with ECDSrS in the Program Development and Evaluation unit where he is responsible for quarterly reporting for the New York State Office for the Aging and semi-annually on the federal level for the 5310 Transportation grant. Gadzo was also a co-lead on a two-phase grant through the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York called Aging by Design. During the six-month planning phase, Gadzo was able to engage a group of over 100 LGBTQ seniors to garner feedback about what types of programming they wanted for themselves. This included expanded cultural competency training for provider staff, as well as evaluation tools for both residents and an independent evaluator to conduct on an annual basis. Since 2018 Gadzo has been working as the lead of the Go & Dine program which has been funded through the Administration on Community Living Innovations in Nutrition Grant.

Exploring Quality in Nutrition Programs and Why it Matters – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Tim Getty, MBA

Tim Getty, MBA, is the Regional Nutrition Services Coordinator at the Heritage Area Agency on Aging. With over 20 years of foodservice and nonprofit management experience, Tim joined the Heritage Area Agency on Aging to make a difference in the lives of older adults. His experience affords him the opportunity to develop and offer innovative and engaging opportunities that make a significant impact in the lives of the most vulnerable older adults. Tim uses his vast background and knowledge to participate in grant funding opportunities and national studies to develop and implement innovative service delivery models that older adults will benefit from for years to come. He currently serves on the HACAP Food Reservoir Advisory Council, the Linn County Food Environment Alliance and several other local community organizations that focus on the health and nutrition of the most vulnerable populations. Tim holds a Master of Business Administration from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.

Imagining an Innovative and Sustainable Future Through Creative Thinking (NRCNA) on Monday, August 26 from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Holly Hagler, MM

Holly Hagler, MM, is President and CEO of SeniorServ, one of California’s largest safety-net nonprofits providing social, nutrition and health services to older adults and support to their families. SeniorServ provides a million meals annually to seniors in need in Orange County through senior center lunches and Meals on Wheels delivered to frail, homebound clients. The nonprofit also provides social services such as adult day health care, case management, care coordination/care transitions and other programs designed to help older adults remain in their homes and in the community. SeniorServ also makes and distributes meals in support of other nonprofits who administer afterschool and summer lunch programs. Holly serves as co-chair of the Orange County Aging Services Collaborative, as co-chair of Partners at Home Network, on the leadership council for the OC Strategic Plan for Aging and on the board of directors for the National Association of Aging and Nutrition and Service Providers and for Meals on Wheels California. Holly’s career spans senior-level business and nonprofit positions. She earned a Master of Management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University and dual undergraduate degrees from the University of California, Irvine.

It’s All About the Data – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Dan Hale, PhD

Dan Hale, PhD, is Special Advisor to the President of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Director of the Healthy Community Partnership. He also is an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, with appointments in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. Prior to assuming his position at Johns Hopkins Bayview in 2011, Dr. Hale was Professor of Clinical Psychology at Stetson University, where he also served as Director of the Community Health Initiative. Dr. Hale’s early research focused on depression, especially among older adults. In 1992, he began working with Drs. Richard Bennett and John Burton of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at Johns Hopkins to develop community-based health programs built around partnerships between medical institutions and religious congregations. This successful collaboration with Drs. Burton and Bennett led to the publication of several reports on their work and co-authorship with Dr. Bennett of Building Healthy Communities through Medical-Religious Partnerships, published by Johns Hopkins University Press and now in its third edition (2018).

Healthcare 101 – An Introduction to Partnerships and Possibilities on Monday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Vin Hoey

Vin Hoey is Managing Director of Strategic4sight, which provides leading-edge nonprofit strategic planning, marketing and governance consulting services. He loves teaching and nonprofit consulting. He regularly teaches marketing for CNM Dallas, SMU and DePauw University. Vin annually leads social enterprise workshops on business plan development. His teaching and consulting have assessed business opportunities and developed plans to launch or improve nonprofit social enterprises. He currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Social Enterprise Alliance North Texas and is a member of the national Social Enterprise Alliance. Vin served as Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Communications for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and held a variety of senior corporate communications and marketing communications leadership positions with ExxonMobil. Throughout his career, he has provided significant volunteer leadership on the boards of directors of more than 20 local, national and international nonprofit organizations in various cities. He has chaired the boards of seven nonprofits, co-founded two agencies and led key initiatives. He currently serves on the board of Heart House and on the Leadership Advisory Council of Project Transformation – North Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University and a Master of Science in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

Social Enterprise Fundamentals on Monday, August 26th from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Ellie Hollander

Ellie Hollander is President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Under her leadership, the organization has strengthened the nationwide Meals on Wheels network through substantial investments in a multitude of national initiatives, campaigns, partnerships, research and advocacy that have boosted higher public awareness of senior hunger and isolation and driven significant financial and human resources directly to local programs. Previously, Ellie has held executive positions in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including as Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Business Development for Good360 and as interim Associate Executive Director for Membership, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer for AARP. Ellie graduated with double-majors from Duke University and later from the Duke Fuqua School of Business’ Advanced Management Program. She is a Washington Business Journal “Women Who Mean Business” honoree, a Silver Stevie® Award Female Executive of the Year winner and a Results for America “Moneyball for Government Nonprofit All-Star,” for her commitment to evidence-based work.

Breakfast Keynote: Ellie Hollander, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels America on Tuesday, August 27 from 8:45 - 9:15 a.m.

Katie Jantzi, LCSW

Katie is the Director of Government Affairs at Meals on Wheels America. In this position, she is responsible for leading and overseeing the organization’s public policy and legislative agenda in support of Senior Nutrition Programs and the individuals they serve nationwide. She serves as the primary liaison to Members of Congress and their staffs, representatives of the Administration and other national anti-hunger and aging organizations. Prior to her work with Meals on Wheels America, Katie served as a social work case manager and then as the Director of a local Meals on Wheels program in Richmond, Virginia. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The 2020 Elections – Rocking the Vote on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Anngienetta Johnson, DSc

Dr. Anngienetta Johnson is the consummate lifelong learner. Her illustrious career began at Texas Woman’s University where she earned a BA in mathematics (1971). As a cooperative education student, she complemented her academic studies with work tours at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Since then, she has continued to develop new skills, knowledge and expertise, including earning two Masters degrees: MBA in Industrial Management (University of Houston at Clear Lake) and in Information Systems Management (George Washington University). Dr. Johnson retired from NASA in April 2009 and has been active in emergency management at the American Red Cross, North Texas Region since that time. At the Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, North Texas Region, Dr. Johnson served first as a volunteer and then as the Senior Disaster Program Manager for 14 North Texas counties. The Chapter presented her with the Volunteer Leadership Award in June 2010. Dr. Johnson accepted a volunteer position as member of the Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Alumni Advisory Council and in 2012 received the Chancellor Alumni Excellence Award. She now holds positions on the TWU Alumni Board and the Delaware State University Aviation Advisory Committee. Her determination to help those in crisis led her to pursue a Doctorate of Science Degree in engineering management with a specialty in Emergency Management from George Washington University’s Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management.

Ready for an Emergency? You Can Be! – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Ready for an Emergency? You Can Be! – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Drene Johnson

Drene Johnson is the Executive Director of Community Action of Napa Valley and has been for the past 11 years. The Agency operates the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, two licensed pre-K schools, rental assistance and a Quit Smoking program for Napa County. These programs target the low-income population and the safety net for food and housing. Three disasters occurred in Napa County within the past five years, which generated a new focus for Drene: the 2014 Napa Earthquake, 2017 Napa-Sonoma fires, and 2018 Paradise fire—critically impacting seniors and the disabled. This news prompted The Napa Valley Community Foundation to invite 17 agencies to participate in a 10-month program in Disaster Preparedness Planning for Community Based Operations. The outcome of this training was the formation of Napa’s Community Organization Action in Disaster (COAD). As official second responders, Drene became a member of the COAD’s Executive Board. Her goal was to bring more awareness and information to Napa Valley’s seniors and disabled in preparing them for any disaster. Drene received her Bachelor of Arts from Dominican College, San Rafael, in social work.

Ready for an Emergency? You Can Be! – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Kate Johnson, MPH

Kate Johnson, MPH, is a senior policy analyst in the Health Division of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. In this role, she works with governors’ offices on a variety of health care issues, including population health, data and analytics and Medicaid. Prior to joining NGA, Johnson worked as a consultant at a public affairs firm providing strategic health policy analysis and development for a wide range of clients, with special focus on Medicare, pharmaceutical and insurance industry issues, the Affordable Care Act and national public health campaigns. Johnson also worked as an aide for U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman and in hospital administration at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Johnson holds a master’s degree in health policy and management from the Boston University School of Public Health and a bachelor’s degree in business management and political science from Assumption College.

Luncheon Keynote Panel: Tackling the Senior Population’s Greatest Challenges Together on Wednesday, August 28 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Grant Jones

Grant Jones is the CEO of Metro Meals on Wheels. Prior to joining Metro, he served as the Director of Development for the Elks Rehab System. While serving in that role, the organization assumed responsibility for the Boise-area Meals on Wheels program, and he was asked to manage what was branded as Elks Meals on Wheels. The Volunteer Department was also part of his team. Much of his career has been in public relations — Manager of Public Relations for American Automobile Association in Oklahoma and Idaho, Manager of Public Relations for Micron Technology and Ore-Ida Foods in Boise, and General Manager of Worldwide Communications for Ore-Ida’s parent company Heinz in Pittsburgh. Grant has volunteered and served on the boards of several organizations, including United Way, Boise Parks and Recreation, Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho, Cole Valley Christian Schools and Caring Foundation of Idaho and Utah. He is married to Kassie and has two grown, married sons, Matt and Nathan. Grant is currently putting the finishing touches on a book about losing his parents.

The Secret to Successful Healthcare Partnerships on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Jody Jurica

Jody Jurica is Senior Field Vice President of Mutual of America’s Regional Office located in Dallas, Texas. He is responsible for managing sales and service for the company’s clients located in Northeast Texas, Oklahoma, Western Arkansas and Northwest Louisiana. Mr. Jurica began his career at Mutual of America in 1984 in the home office in New York City. Prior to his current appointment he was Vice President in the Denver Regional Office. Mr. Jurica is a graduate of Texas A&M and has also completed FINRA Series 6 and Series 63 requirements and holds applicable insurance licenses in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Getting Your Organization Retirement Ready on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Julie Krawczyk

Julie Krawczyk is the Director of the Elder Financial Safety Center leading the nation in the prevention, protection and prosecution of financial crimes and prevention of financial exploitation, frauds and scams. She oversees operations for the first-of-its-kind Center, a unique collaboration between The Senior Source, Dallas County Probate Courts and Dallas County District Attorney’s Office serving over 19,000 clients and victims with a financial impact of $81 million, 500 protected incapacitated adults 50+ and 1,300 indictments of elder abuse. Leveraging human, organizational and institutional capital to tackle major projects, Julie is recognized for her energy, wit, candor and collaborative and strategic leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in management from Dallas Baptist University and Bachelor of Science in psychology and English from Southern Vermont College. Employed by The Senior Source helping all older adults to THRIVE since 1961, Julie leads a 12-member team with a $1.6 million budget.

Critical Conversations: How You Can Prevent and Recognize Elder Financial Exploitation on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Sue Lachenmayr, MPH, CHES

Sue Lachenmayr, MPH, CHES, is a Program Coordinator for the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence - MAC, Inc. In this role she assists with scaling and sustaining evidence-based programs and building local and regional partnerships. She was formerly the Senior Director for the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) Center for Healthy Aging National Resource Center and prior to that, she led New Jersey’s statewide implementation of evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention programs for older adults for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Division of Aging and Community Services. She is a Stanford Certified Master Trainer for the Chronic Disease, Chronic Pain, Diabetes and Cancer Thriving and Surviving Self-Management Programs. She is also a Master Trainer for Stepping On. She is also a co-creator of the Stepping Up Your Nutrition malnutrition session, which received the International Council on Active Aging® 2017 Innovators Achievement Award and an n4a 2018 Aging Innovations Award in July 2018. Ms. Lachenmayr has been an advocate for older adults to ensure their access to critical prevention and health services for many years.

Overcoming Obstacles - Successful Strategies for Fall Prevention on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Traci Lato-Smith, CVA

Traci Lato-Smith, CVA, a Certified Volunteer Administrator, is the Principal Consultant at Volunteer Management Consulting. She has spent her career developing systems for engaging volunteers to support mission-focused work. Traci has created vibrant volunteer programs for organizations in the fields of social justice, senior advocacy and education, and consults and trains on building infrastructure for effective volunteer programs across all sectors. In addition to her professional work in the field of volunteer engagement, Traci volunteers her own time in a variety of ways. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for Denver Directors of Volunteers In Agencies (DOVIA), has presented multiple times at both the Colorado Nonprofit Association Fall Conference and the Colorado Conference on Volunteerism and volunteers regularly at a local nursing home.

The 3 R’s of Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, Recognition and Retention – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

The 3 R’s of Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, Recognition and Retention – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Rebecca Linder

Rebecca is renowned not only as a leader and innovator, but also as a friend to both clients and vendors. Her focus has always been on the goal of providing unmatched customer service. That, and her commitment to organizational and production excellence, has led Linder Global Events to the top of the event planning business, producing national and international events for many of the world’s largest and most prestigious nonprofit institutions, corporations, government agencies and membership associations. Almost three decades into her career, she is still excited by the opportunity to create experiences and environments that have a profound impact on people’s lives. Under her leadership, Linder planned and executed high profile and complex events such as the opening of the Smithsonian's Reynolds Center and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the USA Science and Engineering Festival (380,000 visitors over three days) and IPW2017. In 2018, she was honored by the Washington Business Journal as a Woman Who Means Business. She is also active in philanthropy and serves as Chairman of the board for Generation Hope. She is a partner to many charities, including LearnServe, the Washington Area Women's Foundation, and the 11th Street Bridge Project. Additionally, Rebecca is a member of Leadership of Greater Washington and Les Dames d'Escoffier.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Event Trends: The Pressure to Innovate – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Seanna Marceaux, MS, RDN, LD

Seanna Marceaux, MS, RDN, LD, brings more than 10 years of experience in the provision of nutrition services to some of the most vulnerable community members in Austin, Texas. In addition to overseeing a commercial kitchen producing approximately 3,500 meals each day including medically tailored diets, Seanna also develops and implements evaluation methods to objectively allocate limited resources, prioritize services and measure programmatic impact. Seanna has a Master of Science in human nutrition from Texas State University and is a licensed and registered dietitian nutritionist. She and her colleagues were published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging—“Impact of home-delivered meals on nutrition status among older adults in central Texas (2018).” Seanna has been honored for her commitment to the ideals of Scholarship, Leadership and Services by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and has received awards for Innovations in Dietetics Practice and Education by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as Leadership, Research and Academic Excellence by the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition and Foods, Texas State University.

Advances in Malnutrition on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Ruth Masterson, MPP

Ruth Masterson, MPP, is the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring. By afternoon she’s a capacity-building consultant for funders and nonprofits with projects that include: board self-assessment; staff evaluations; governance, bylaws, and strategy reviews and, you guessed it, leadership succession. Ruth has been serving nonprofits for over 25 years. She advised private foundations as Senior Program Director at Exponent Philanthropy, worked with clients of all types as a Paralegal at Silk, Adler and Colvin for five years, earned her Master of Public Policy at Johns Hopkins University and has been on staff and boards of directors at environmental, community and healing arts organizations. She’ll show you photos of her five-year-old son if given the opportunity, and she enjoys gardening and travel.

A Roadmap for Succession Planning on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Leslie May-Chibani, LSW

Leslie May-Chibani, LSW, is the Assistant Director at Minuteman Senior Services, one of 26 Aging Service Access Points (ASAP) across Massachusetts, as well as an Area Agency On Aging (AAA) and Metro Boston Aging and Disability Resource Consortium (ADRC). She has over 20 years of experience working with seniors, family caregivers and adults with disabilities in multiple settings across the continuum of care in Home Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities and Community Hospitals. She has supervised Care Transitions Programs supporting elders and their families during the transition from hospital to home, improving health outcomes and readmission rates with data driven outcomes. She has provided thought leadership to help shift the statewide network from process measures to Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) health outcome measures to show our value proposition including work on nutrition services to reduce the risk of malnutrition and food insecurity for seniors while building financially sustainable programs.

Creating Connections One Story at a Time on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Joel McIver

Joel McIver is the Director of Communication and Engagement at Senior Services, Inc., a charitable nonprofit located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His responsibilities include the planning, development and implementation of the organization’s marketing strategies. He oversees and directs Senior Services’ public relations and public-facing activities, marketing messaging and support material production. He also takes the lead on promoting and providing community awareness as well as engagement and partnership opportunities throughout the organization. Joel holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from High Point University and has more than 15 years of experience working in the communication, engagement and public relations fields. Also a published novelist, Joel says that it is the call of creativity that drives him, stating, “I find that there are few things that bring more satisfaction in life than to author a book that resonates with readers, craft a message that moves others to action, or produce a video that leads viewers to think more deeply. It is in creating something lasting—regardless of whether its inspiration lies in simple ideas or complex concepts—that I find professional fulfillment. Creativity is my raison d’être.”.

Creating Connections One Story at a Time on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Joey McNamee, MPA

Joey McNamee, MPA, is the Community Engagement Section Manager for Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services, where she oversees the information and referral, homeless outreach, volunteer services, ombudsman and housing coordinator programs for the division. She has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah, and has spent the last 15 years dedicated to connecting vulnerable people with resources to help them thrive. Joey loves working with older adults, which she has done for over eight years. Joey lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, their two kids and dog. Between baths, homework and birthday parties, Joey and her husband are hoping to teach their kids to make the world a kinder place.

Creating Connections One Story at a Time on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

James Michel

James Michel is the Director of Policy at Better Medicare Alliance and has almost 10 years in health care policy analysis and consulting. Prior to BMA, James was a Senior Director at the American Health Care Association, the nation’s largest trade association representing post-acute and long-term care providers, where he managed much of the Association’s Medicare and health information technology policy analysis and research. Before that, he worked for Booz Allen Hamilton and the Advisory Board Company, two leading, DC-based healthcare consulting firms. James holds a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

New Opportunities for Medicare Advantage on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Thomas Jordan Miles, III

Thomas Jordan Miles III is Director of Transportation and Nutrition for Piedmont Senior Resources Area Agency on Aging, which serves the counties of Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward. Jordan oversees home-delivered meal delivery, congregate nutrition, non-emergency medical transportation and nutrition counseling. Before joining PSR, Jordan served as editor of Farmville Newsmedia LLC, which publishes The Farmville Herald, The Charlotte Gazette, The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch, and Farmville the Magazine. Before that, Jordan worked as news reporter and anchor for WFLO AM and FM Radio Station in Farmville. Jordan has experience lobbying the Virginia General Assembly and members of Congress regarding issues that directly affect seniors, such as new positions in the State’s Department of Aging and Rehabilitation, and reauthorization and funding of the Older Americans Act. Jordan, who is running in the November election as a member of the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors, worked as a campaign manager and legislative assistant to former Delegate Watkins Abbitt. Active in a local political party, he is Chairman of the 2008 Class of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. He serves as Vice President of the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of two committees. He represented Buckingham and served as Chairman of the Commonwealth Regional Council’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee..

The 2020 Elections – Rocking the Vote on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Hillary Medina-Loveless

Hillary Medina-Loveless is a Field Associate at The Leadership Conference Education Fund, working on the Census Counts campaign. Here, Hillary helps to run the States COUNT Action Network where over 200 national and local organizations come together to share best practices, share resources and discuss challenges while they work to ensure a fair and accurate 2020 Census. Prior to joining The Leadership Conference Education Fund, Hillary was a second grade teacher in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Most recently, Hillary worked at Rescue Social Change where she trained high school students across Virginia on how to make long-lasting change through policy advocacy through their local and state elected officials. Hillary graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s in International and Area Studies.

More Than Just a Headcount: The 2020 Census on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Michelle Molina, MA

Michelle Molina is Principle at Connecting Evidence and helps organizations use data to learn. To do this, she helps them understand what information would be useful to know in order to make important decisions, show their impact, and improve their work. Michelle’s Master of Arts in education focusing on social research methodology from UCLA gave her the technical skills she needs to collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. Her experience working with a variety of organizations has helped her understand that effective evaluations must focus on use, be done in partnership with key stakeholders and consider the systems programs live in. She understands it’s difficult to step away from doing the work. By helping organizations become more thoughtful about data, she hopes nonprofits will not only be better able to show others their impact and have easy access to the information they need, but also develop a learning culture where data is leveraged regularly to make improvements.

It's All About The Data – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

It's All About The Data – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Monica Montoya, BBA, MBA

Monica Montoya, BBA, MBA, is a National Partnership Manager at the American Red Cross National Headquarters. She helps partners to work with the Red Cross to collectively serve communities in preparedness, response and recovery. She supports and advocates multi-agency resource centers, donations management strategies and volunteer management. Ms. Montoya trains the volunteers and staff in facilitative leadership, relationship building and community engagement strategies. She has deployed to disaster operations since 2011 in many roles. Earlier in her career, Ms. Montoya led partnership building in a variety of sectors: economic development, higher education, technology transfer, software development, the arts and social entrepreneurship. Ms. Montoya holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California.

Ready for an Emergency? You Can Be! – Part 1 on Tuesday, August 27 from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Ready for an Emergency? You Can Be! – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Sherie Nelson, MBA, RDN, LD

Sherie Nelson, MBA, RDN, LD, is the Wellness Director at Elior North America and believes food service is the gateway to teaching Americans how to eat for their health. At Elior North America, she has a remarkable opportunity to bring her strong belief that food influences health to a large audience – over one million customers daily. With over 16 years of nutrition, wellness and food service experience, she currently leads all nutrition and wellness programs and initiatives within all Elior groups, including healthcare, higher education, business dining and K-12, plus employee wellness. Sherie is a registered dietitian and has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in management from the College of St. Scholastica. When not promoting wellness, Sherie is practicing it in her daily life. Cooking and eating well takes the center of her plate next to the time she spends on a mountain bike, chasing her beautiful red and white Siberian husky down dirt and snow-covered trails.

Use Food Education to Positively Impact Your Seniors on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Leila Nowroozi, MPH, MBA

Leila Nowroozi, MPH, MBA, is National Partnerships Lead within the Business Strategy and Consumer Experience group at Aetna. Her expertise includes health policy with a focus on social determinants of health. Leila identifies and forges partnerships with community-based organizations to address social and behavioral care gaps in the healthcare system in order to improve member health and quality of life. Areas of focus for partnerships include addressing food, transportation, housing, social isolation and education needs in communities across the United States. The programs are designed to drive patient-centered care that reflects the patient’s definition of value, and promotes the use of technology to inform health and wellness choices at the individual level. Her work enhances Aetna’s national reputation in promoting member health and ensuring Aetna as a partner of choice through strategic, scalable and sustained investments and partnerships. National Partnerships serves as a centralized coordination point for all large-scale relationships and coordinates with CVS Health to ensure a seamless market presence. Examples of partnerships include Meals on Wheels, YMCA, and Area Agencies on Aging. Prior to joining Aetna, Leila was the Chief Marketing Officer of Avalere Health. She worked for a number of years in the pharmaceutical industry launching pharmaceutical products with J&J and Pfizer. Leila has her Master of Business Administration from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and her Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics from the University of South Carolina School of Public Health.

New Opportunities for Medicare Advantage on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Esteban Ojeda

Esteban Ojeda is the Volunteer Program Manager for Meals on Wheels San Diego County. His primary role is the overall implementation and training of the mobile app roll out, as well as the MOW Scheduler. Since its inception, he and his team has helped over 450 individual volunteers get acclimated on the mobile app and is currently at a 98% acceptance rate from volunteers. He resides in San Diego College Area and when he’s away from work, he enjoys spending time with his 7 year old son.

Technology, Systems, Software and Saving Solutions on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Stephen Papas, MPA

Stephen Papas, MPA, is Director of Development at Meals on Wheels Programs and Services of Rockland, Inc. He grew up in Rockland County, and his passion for community service began early in high school when he would help feed the homeless with his church youth group and participate in other volunteer efforts. After graduating from the University at Buffalo in 2007, Stephen began a fulfilling career in government working for a number of legislators, including Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee and State Senator David Carlucci. After graduating with a Master of Public Administration, he moved over to nonprofits and began by working at the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County. After three years of working at Meals on Wheels of Rockland, he has significantly expanded the agency’s connections with various healthcare providers in the region. As healthcare providers became more and more interested in the agency, Stephen also spearheaded the efforts to adjust the program structures in both the Home Delivered Meals program and Senior Activity Centers to meet the needs of healthcare providers and address Social Determinants of Health.

The Secret to Successful Healthcare Partnerships on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m - 12:30 p.m.

Gerald Patesel

Gerald Patesel is the Vice President Community Services for Peninsula Agency on Aging. For the past 18 years, he has provided oversight to the Peninsula Agency on Aging Nutrition and Transportation Programs. He is responsible for a nutrition budget of approximately $1.2 million providing over 125,000 home-delivered meals (HDM) and 18,000 congregate meals a year. The nutrition program operates six dining locations and five HDM distribution locations on the Virginia Peninsula. The HDM program delivers 39 meal routes a day and utilizes over 1,100 volunteers a year. Gerald graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He also is a graduate of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Leadership Institute, Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula and the Meals on Wheels America Leadership Academy. Gerald also serves the community by being a part of many committees and taskforces including: Newport News Taskforce on Aging Transportation, Mayor’s Committee on Disaster Preparedness/City of Hampton, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and a staff member for the Senior Center of York Board of Directors.

The 3 R’s of Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, Recognition and Retention – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Judith Pelot

Judith Pelot is the Manager of the Senior Nutrition-Mobile Meals program at the CAC Senior Nutrition Program and Nutritionist for the CAC Mobile Meals Kitchen located in Knox County Tennessee. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and has worked for the CAC Senior Nutrition for the past 21 years in various roles. Judith also manages the Caring Plate program, (meal delivery for high-need patients in active cancer treatment) and the Connecting Hearts program that focuses on helping "senior orphans." These programs serve over 1,300 seniors and individuals with disabilities each day. Judith is the recipient of the Knoxville District Dietetics Association Iris Award, and in 2015 was appointed by the Knox County mayor to serve on the Knoxville-Knox County Food Policy Council. Judith also serves on the Board of Visitors for the University of Tennessee College of Social Work.

Building Bridges to Improve Service – Part 2 on Tuesday August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Regan Pennypacker, CCEP

Regan Pennypacker, CCEP, is President of Ancorat Consulting. With 20 years of experience with government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Exchange, she refines compliance programs and operations using the most up-to-date industry guidance and best practices. In addition to consulting, Regan speaks at a number of industry events on topics such as perspectives on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services program audit process, appeals and grievances operations, vendor oversight and what it means to be a first-tier entity. Whether the group is large or small, she personalizes content, making it relatable and retainable for the audience. As Senior Vice President at an innovative DC consulting firm, she was responsible for overall Compliance Solutions Division performance and all marketing content. Prior to that time, she served in operations and compliance roles in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Board of Directors for Wood River Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut, and is on track to achieve her Certificate in Health Center Governance from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Regan holds Managed Healthcare Professional (MHP) and Professional of Health Insurance Advanced Studies (PHIAS) designations from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and is Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) by the Health Care Compliance Association.

The ABCs of Compliance – It Doesn’t Have to be Scary! on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Andrew Renda, MD, MPH

Andrew Renda, MD, MPH, is the Associate Vice President, Population Health, Humana and is regarded within the industry as one of the leaders in clinical and community collaborations around population health strategies. A published author and speaker in the field of social determinants of health and chronic disease, Dr. Renda’s work strives to inform co-created solutions to improve community health. In his current role he leads four population health and social determinants of health work streams: insights, strategy and execution, analytics and platforms and thought leadership and communications. Some of his past work includes advancing clinical models of care through development, implementation and evaluation of population health initiatives aimed at preventing and delaying progression of chronic disease. This involves product and benefit design, as well as health projects ranging from messaging campaigns and self-care interventions to clinician-led disease management programs. Significant initiatives include: chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNP), metabolic syndrome support service, asthma and COPD disease management and self-care programs, sleep apnea diagnostics and management strategy, flu and pneumonia campaign, tobacco cessation service integration and outreach. Dr. Renda has a Bachelor of Science in psychology and biology from the University of Kentucky where he was a National Science Foundation Undergraduate Fellow. He received his medical degree and a diploma in clinical psychiatry from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, followed by a Master of Public Health from Harvard University.

Luncheon Keynote Panel: Tackling the Senior Population’s Greatest Challenges Together on Wednesday, August 28 from 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Chef Mario Reyes, CEC, FWMCS

Chef Mario Reyes, CEC, FWMCS, is the Corporate Executive Chef at Elior North America Community Meals. He began his culinary career in Toronto, Canada, after graduating from George Brown Culinary School. He completed his apprenticeship at the Four Seasons Hotel before going to work at the prestigious Sutton Place and King Edward Hotel and the Westbury Hotel in New York. He opened Le Meridien Hotel in Dallas, Texas, and became its Executive Chef/F & B Director in 1992. After many years in the hotel industry, he joined Nestlé as Corporate Executive Chef in 1996. He was able to work with numerous chefs and food companies across the world in menu and product development and innovation. Chef Mario is a certified Fellow of the World Master Chefs Society, as well as a member of the ACF and RCA.

Use Food Education to Positively Impact Your Seniors on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Susan Saffel-Shrier, MS, RD, CD

Susan Saffel-Shrier, MS, RD, CD, is a professor, registered dietitian nutritionist and certified gerontologist in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah, School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her career spans 38 years and involves a large breadth of experiences in nutrition, aging, gerontology and geriatrics. She currently directs the geriatric education for the University of Utah Family Medicine Residency Program. Susan is known for utilizing a team approach to the care of older adults in all settings across the continuum of care. While maintaining her faculty position, she has consulted for home health, hospice and a local Area Agency on Aging. The needs of older adults living in the community are complex. How to maintain their health and well-being has led Susan to develop a comprehensive home-based nutrition assessment that encompasses the multidimensional components of nutrition to include the social determinants of health. This type of assessment provides guidance in HCBS team-oriented care that leads to improve quality of life and independence.

Advances in Malnutrition on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Erin Scheithe, MED

Erin Scheithe, MED is a Content Specialist in the Office for Older Americans at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Prior to joining the Bureau, she served as the Vice President of Banker Advocacy and Grassroots at the American Bankers Association and was responsible for encouraging bankers to engage with their members of Congress. She previously worked in AARP’s Education and Outreach department, developing resources on financial security issues for the 50+ population. The majority of Erin’s career has been spent in the field of financial education. She worked for both the American Bankers Association and North Carolina Bankers Association to develop programs to teach children and parents the basics of financial literacy. Erin obtained both a bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia.

Critical Conversations: How You Can Prevent and Recognize Elder Financial Exploitation on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Laura Shannonhouse, PhD, LPC, NCC

Laura Shannonhouse, PhD, LPC, NCC, is an Assistant Professor at Georgia State University in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. She holds a Doctorate in Counselor Education and is an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) trainer and a Suicide to Hope (s2H) Facilitator. Shannonhouse has authored 34 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 12 book chapters and over 70 conference presentations. She is serving as principal investigator on the grant that is funding the proposed submission.

Community-Based Frameworks for Preventing Older Adult Suicide Through Innovations in Nutrition Services on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Virginia Skov, MHA, CDP

Virginia Skov, MHA, CDP, is the Nutrition Manager for Senior Resource Association in Vero Beach, Florida. She received her Master of Health Administration-Gerontology in 2015 from University of Phoenix and is a certified dementia practitioner. She began her work with seniors back in 2003, working as a caregiver in an assisted living facility. Her passion of working with seniors grew every year and eventually turned into a career. She has worn many hats over the years, including activity and volunteer coordinator, dining services coordinator and dining services director. She managed a full kitchen and complete front of house program that served over 650 meals a day. She is passionate about helping seniors and championing their quality of life. Through her work with Meals on Wheels, she has had the opportunity to continue serving seniors by providing good nutrition and a sense of well-being through the new change of condition program. She thrives on finding solutions that help seniors live fuller, more independent lives. In her down time, Virginia enjoys boating, fishing and relaxing by the pool.

The 3 R’s of Volunteer Engagement: Recruitment, Recognition and Retention - Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES

Matthew Lee Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES, is the Co-Director of the Texas A&M Center for Population Health and Aging and holds faculty positions in the Texas A&M School of Public Health and the University of Georgia College of Public Health. Recognizing health status is influenced by a vast and interconnected set of determinants, Dr. Smith has devoted his career to create synergistic partnerships and initiatives to encourage positive lifestyles and reduce rates of preventable morbidity and mortality. As an evaluator and survey methodologist, he has initiated many projects to better understand risky health behavior and develop scalable interventions to evoke behavior modification. Dr. Smith’s involvement in local, state and national evaluation initiatives has been integral to foster understanding about the reach, adoption, implementation, effectiveness and maintenance of different evidence-based programs. His ability to form interdisciplinary collaborations affords him opportunities to apply his translational research and evaluation experience to bridge research and practice issues among the healthcare sector, aging services network and public health system.

Overcoming Obstacles - Successful Strategies for Fall Prevention on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith is Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Strategy and Stars at Gorman Health Group, LLC (GHG). In this role, she is responsible for leading a team of Star Ratings, strategy, sales and marketing experts to support the needs of health plans, providers, pharmacy benefit managers and industry vendors. Melissa’s team helps clients improve performance within quality ratings systems such as Star Ratings, improve health outcomes and the member experience, evaluate market dynamics and opportunities, optimize distribution channels and supports our clients’ strategic planning needs. Melissa brings 25 years of healthcare experience to GHG, including more than five years serving in a leadership capacity at Cigna-HealthSpring. Melissa has extensive experience developing strategic and tactical solutions to meet client needs and a strong background of building productive partnerships across internal teams and with external vendors to improve performance on clinical, medication, patient survey and administrative quality measures. Before working in Medicare Advantage and quality ratings systems, Melissa was an Associate Director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Melissa received her degree from Purdue University and began her career at KPMG, LLP. Melissa’s unique background of business process, regulatory compliance and healthcare quality offers our clients unique access to healthcare strategy, quality performance and revenue optimization.

Healthcare 101 - An Introduction to Partnerships and Possibilities on Monday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Jennifer Stiff

Jennifer Stiff is the Nutrition Program Director at Minuteman Senior Services in Bedford, Massachusetts, and has over 15 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector. In her current role, Jennifer leads a comprehensive Senior Nutrition Program. For the past three years, Jennifer has been part of an initiative to develop nutrition metrics. Jennifer’s professional roles have focused on program management and development, and she has worked for mission-based nonprofits including senior nutrition, supportive housing and homeless services. Jennifer served as the President of the Massachusetts Meals on Wheels Association (2014-2016) and sat on the Planning Council for the Massachusetts statewide Food is Medicine initiative. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Graduate Certificate from Tufts University.

Healthcare 101 - An Introduction to Partnerships and Possibilities on Monday, August 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Russ Stoddard

Russ Stoddard is the Program Manager for Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services’ Independent Aging Program. In this role, he oversees the personnel and operations of the Meals on Wheels and Senior Congregate Meals programs. Russ started with Aging and Adult Services in 2017 as a Center Program Coordinator and was promoted to the role of Program Manager in 2019. Prior to joining Aging and Adult Services, Russ worked in maintenance and facilities management at the University of Utah for 18 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation with a minor in Hospitality Management, which he earned at the University of Utah. Russ lives in Bountiful with his wife and three daughters. When he’s not at work, he enjoys coaching girls fast pitch softball at Bountiful High School.

Creating Connections One Story at a Time on Thursday, August 29 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

James Stowe, PhD

James Stowe, PhD, is Director of MARC's Aging and Adult Services Department, overseeing the administration of programs and services for older adults as a designated Area Agency on Aging and supporting civic initiatives and emerging community partnerships to promote an age-friendly region. He is dedicated to developing systems, technology and community relationships that help to secure the health and well-being of vulnerable older adults. He holds a doctorate in human environmental sciences from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a master’s degree in family studies and human services from Kansas State University, both with an emphasis in gerontology. James joined MARC in 2017.

Exploring Quality in Nutrition Programs and Why it Matters – Part 2 on Tuesday, August 27 from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m.

Kathie Taylor, APR

Kathie Taylor, APR, is the Chief Marketing Officer of In Plain Sight Marketing in Carson City, Nevada, specializing in public relations, employee and stakeholder engagement and integrated marketing communications campaigns for industries, including nonprofit, the skilled trades, education and high tech. Kathie leads the market and consumer research arm of IPSM and provides development consulting for client boards of directors; and mentors junior staff in applying public relations principles to stay focused on the “why.” Along with her APR, Kathie holds a Certified Associate of Project Management certification from the Project Management Institute and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her favorite approach to public relations is to ask, “And then what happens?”

Lessons Learned from Successful Public Relation Campaigns on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Lucy Theilheimer, MA

Lucy Theilheimer, MA, is Chief Strategy and Impact Officer at Meals on Wheels America. She is responsible for strategy and planning, research, and efforts to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Prior to joining the Association in 2016, Lucy served in multiple roles at AARP. Most recently she served as Senior Vice President for Organizational and Management Effectiveness and, prior to that, as Senior Vice President for Enterprise Strategy. She also has many years of experience in aging, health and long-term care at AARP, as well as other health and aging nonprofit Associations. Lucy received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in health care administration, policy and planning from George Washington University.

Consistent Service Offerings – Community Connections on Wednesday, August 28 from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.

Deborah K. Turcott

Deborah Turcott is the Acting President and Chief Operating Officer for PetSmart Charities. In this role she is responsible for leading the overall direction and strategy of the organization. Managing complex dynamics for North America’s leading Animal Welfare funder, she supports the mission and strategic direction through engagement with the board, leadership team and external partners. Deborah is an impassioned executive whose career has focused on strengthening mission-driven nonprofit and public organizations. With over two decades of executive experience, her role as Acting President at PetSmart Charities brings to life a celebration of her professional acumen and an area of personal pursuit: animals influencing lives and communities for the better. Deb brings her work home with her, so to speak, to a happy collection of animals on her farms. Three horses, four miniature donkeys, two giant breed dogs and one attitude-filled cat offer her husband and four young-adult children continuous joy and laughter.

Systems Change: Leveraging Animal Welfare to Create or Expand Pet Programs on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Daryl Twerdahl

Daryl Twerdahl is the Director of Development at St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. She began her career with St. Vincent Meals on Wheels as a volunteer. After 13 years in that role, Sister Alice Marie Quinn, founder and Executive Director of the program, recruited her to serve as Director of Annual Giving and later as Director of Development. During Daryl’s career at St. Vincent Meals on Wheels she has overseen and led all fundraising efforts of this privately funded program. After Sister Alice Marie’s death in 2017 Daryl was named Interim Executive Director where she served until October 2018, when she returned to her former position. This marks Daryl’s 30th year with the Meals on Wheels family. Daryl has been recognized by Meals on Wheels America as well as the city of Los Angeles for her advocacy work on behalf of seniors. She was a founding board member of Meals on Wheels California and currently serves as President of Meals on Wheels California.

Strategies for Success with Digital Fundraising on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Marzella Tyson, MPH

Marzella Tyson, MPH is the Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels Collin County, where she also served as the Director of Operations prior to becoming the CEO. In Texas, she served as the Director of Programs for Interfaith Housing Coalition for homeless families, Executive Director for Pedi place for medically underserved children and oversaw the distribution of millions of dollars towards in-community programming for the National Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Marzella spent a decade implementing public health and social programs in New England by working with governmental municipalities, prominent educational institutions (such as Yale University School of Public Health, State of Connecticut) and faith-based partners, e.g., Teen Challenge and HUD. These programs helped improve the quality of life for at risk families, pregnant women and children. She holds a Master of Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University, with 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership impacting at-risk and disenfranchised populations.

How Discount Programs Allow You to Save More to Serve More on Wednesday, August 28 from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.

Courtney Warner

Courtney Warner has been the Executive Director of the Carson City Senior Center since June 2015. She has a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and leisure science and a Master of Sport Administration and Leadership. Courtney is passionate about serving our Carson City seniors and ensuring they have the opportunities, access and advocacy for the resources they need to live a quality and dignified life.

Lessons Learned from Successful Public Relation Campaigns on Thursday, August 29 from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

Meredith Ponder Whitmire, JD

Meredith Ponder Whitmire, JD, is the Policy and Advocacy Director for the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP). She is the Vice President of Matz, Blancato and Associates and the Federal Policy and Media Coordinator for the Elder Justice Coalition. She also directs policy for a senior malnutrition coalition, Defeat Malnutrition Today, in these roles, she provides policy analysis and direction for and advocates on behalf of a wide variety of aging topics, including nutrition, elder justice and community-based services.

Future-Proofing the Congregate Meal Program on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Jason Wood

Jason Wood is the Vice President of Digital Business Development at TrueSense Marketing. With more than 13 years of experience working directly with nonprofits, Jason is skilled in online fundraising and execution, with specific expertise in peer-to-peer digital strategies. In his role, he oversees digital integration in fundraising and manages the Digital Strategy team. Jason’s strategic digital expertise has helped well-known nonprofits such as Save the Children, where he was Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising and Integrated Marketing, as well as The Salvation Army at the National Headquarters, where he served as Director of Digital Fundraising and Strategy. At TrueSense Marketing, his focus is on providing digital strategic direction to organizations such as The Salvation Army, Feed the Children, Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society and numerous Rescue Missions and Food Banks.

Strategies for Success with Digital Fundraising on Tuesday, August 27 from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.