Rachel Monger, Vice President of Government Affairs took away the angst for first time advocates.
Dana Weaver, COO spoke about Workforce 101 and learned that 3/4 of the attendees in her session had been in our field over 10 years.
Sherri Robbins, with BKD talked about the importance of budgeting, understanding cost centers and how the payer mix of provider’s census impacts reimbursement.
Jonathan Fanning held an exclusive session with Center for Leadership Alumni to talk about emotional intelligence. At the end of the session, the group was asking for more.
Jonathan then jumped over as Keynote Speaker to talk about Creative Leadership. One takeaway: “It’s not what questions you ask that are important or that will move you forward — it’s HOW you ask the question.”
Kim Burnam with KDHE and Eamonn Berry with Maximus talked to members about the results of the Nursing Facility Liaison Project and plans for rolling out to the entire state.

 

Craig Kaberline, Dawne Stevenson, Brenda Drehr and Codi Thurness, all with KDADS, had a conversation with members about the CARE Program, Health Occupations and Credentialing and the uptick of IJ’s in Kansas.
Ruth Powers, LTC Branch Manager for CMS and Gregg Brandush, Deputy Associate Regional Administrator of Survey and Certification joined us virtually to talk about the new survey process, the uptick in IJ citations in Kansas and the new S&C’s Quality, Certification and Oversight Reports (QCOR) Website. Members were able to ask questions as well.
At the end of day 1, the Mix and Mingle provided much needed camaraderie, networking and fun.
Thanks to Susan Mayer with Infinity Rehab for sponsoring and suggesting this much needed reception!
And we would also like to thank Angie Armstrong and the team at Networks Plus for their sponsorship of the Mix and Mingle. All had a great time!
On Day 2, Barbara Gay with LeadingAge National opened up the conference with the View from DC. Barbara is a great friend of Kansas and Debra Zehr is reintroducing her to the group. What are they laughing about?!
We couldn’t do what we do without our valuable Exhibitors. We had 30+ exhibitors at our Policy and Leadership Conference and had a blast! Thanks to Value First for their Sponsorship of the annual Business Meeting Breakfast!
Sterling Dental had their yummy, fresh-baked cookies available for all of us!
Monty Strecker with INA Alert highlighted their technologies and visited with old friends.
We were excited to have KU’s Ready Reader program highlighted at this years Expo. Our own Rachel Monger reads for them on a regular basis. You should ask her about it sometime.
Ed Pyle with Auburn Pharmacy showcased their products and services. We learned from Ed’s booth that the state that grows the most Sunflowers in Kansas is North Dakota!
An exciting new feature this year was the Lawmaker’s Lunch. We had 11 Lawmakers join our members to have one-on-one conversations about the real issues that are happening. This was one of the most valuable moments of the conference. Thank you to all who told their stories. You were heard!
One thing we know for sure, the Legislators listened and have a better perspective on our issues than they did before.
We were thrilled to have several Legislators from the Women’s Caucus talk about how they saved the 2017 State Legislature. Never forget that a small group of individuals can impact change in a BIG way!
Debra Zehr hosted a session for members Board Members on good governance and roles and responsibilities of the Board. We heard that participants loved the book she gave everyone.
The folks from Moundridge Manor in Moundridge shared their story of Leading in an Emergency. This past spring, in the middle of the night, Moundridge Manor had to evacuate their entire main building due to a watermain break. They told their story and outlined what they learned from this harrowing experience.
Debra Zehr and LeadingAge Kansas Foundation Board Chair, Mark Garriott presented scholarships to 7 deserving individuals. Congrats ladies! We can’t wait to see where you take your new education.

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