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16 Individuals Accepted into Elite Leadership Program

Topeka, Kan – LeadingAge Kansas is pleased to announce the 2019 Class of the Center for Leadership. 16 individuals from across the state, whose work focuses on providing services to older people, were accepted into the competitive program and will embark on a year-long journey to improve their leadership acumen.

“The Center for Leadership is a unique chance for participants to grow personally and professionally. The opportunities in this program far outweigh any leadership educational program in our field”, stated Dana Weaver, chief operating officer. “The individuals who were selected for the Center for Leadership are outstanding in their own right and are the future of our field in Kansas.”

The 2019 Class of the Center for Leadership Includes:

  • Jeannie Chestnut, Director of Dining Services at Pine Village in Moundridge
  • Laci Cornelison, PEAK Program Coordinator at the KSU Center on Aging in Manhattan
  • Sara Corsair, Director of Nursing at Cedar Village Long-Term Care in Ness City
  • Desi Flerlage, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Manor in Salina
  • Stephanie Gfeller, Long-Term Care Program Coordinator at the KSU Center on Aging in Manhattan
  • Christian Gilbert, Executive Director at the Presbyterian Manor in Clay Center
  • Karen Jackson, Controller at Brewster Place in Topeka
  • Sharon Leuenberger, Administrator at the Good Samaritan Society in Ellis
  • Danica Loftin, Director of Sales & Marketing for HealthCare at the Presbyterian Manor in Topeka
  • Kate Pentz, Administrator at the Catholic Care Center in Bel Aire
  • Angela Perkins, Onboarding Specialist at Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe
  • Renee Porter, Administrator at Dooley Center in Atchison
  • Robert Scott, Director of Dining at Schowalter Villa in Hesston
  • Misty Stewart, Director of Nursing at Sheridan County Health Complex LTCU, in Hoxie
  • Layla Sullivan, CO-DON at Brewster Place in Topeka
  • Rodney Whittington, CEO at Villa St. Francis in Olathe

The member-led program consists of 4 in-person classes focused on discovering authentic leadership, advocacy and community relationships, change, empowering and motivating. Participants will be exposed to individual leaders inside and outside of the field as well as innovative providers. They will develop a learning project that will benefit their organization and help them to practice the tools provided in the program.

The first class of the Center for Leadership Graduated in 2009 and since has had over 150 graduates who are working across Kansas and the country positively impacting the entire spectrum of aging services.

“Keep a close eye on these individuals. As with previous classes, they are going to change the field in ways we can’t even image yet,” stated Weaver.

LeadingAge Kansas is an association of 160 nonprofit aging services providers dedicated to serving the needs of aging Kansans. Our members serve over 25,000 Kansas seniors every day. We advance policies, promote practices and learning that empowers our members to help seniors live fully as they age.