ADvancing States is pleased to announce the newly-elected Officers to ADvancing States' Board of Directors. The new President, Duane Mayes, Director of the Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, will lead the 2018-2019 ADvancing States Board.

Duane graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocational Rehabilitation and completed post graduate training in Rehabilitation Administration & Leadership through San Diego State University. Duane has extensive experience in the field of disabilities, rehabilitation, advocacy, senior services, and long-term supports. Duane was appointed the Division Director for the State of Alaska Division of Senior & Disabilities Services in 2010.

Joining Duane Mayes as officers on the Board of Directors are Vice President Curtis Cunningham, Assistant Administrator, Long-Term Care Benefits & Programs for the Division of Medicaid Services in the Wisconsin Department of Human Services; Treasurer Nels Holmgren, Director of the Utah Division of Aging & Adult Services; and Secretary Kathleen Dougherty, Chief of Managed Care Operations for the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance, Delaware Health & Social Services. Lora Connolly, Director of the California Department of Aging, will remain on the Board as the Association’s Immediate Past President.

ADvancing States is also pleased to announce three At-Large members for the Board of Directors. Alice Bonner, Secretary, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Kari Benson, Director of the Aging & Adult Services Division in the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Executive Director of Minnesota Board on Aging will continue to serve as board members. They will be joined by Kathy Bruni, Director of the Community Options Unit in the Connecticut Department of Social Service, as At-Large members of the board.

The members of the 2018-2019 Board of Directors bring many years of experience and broad perspectives on a wide range of health care and social services. They will provide strong leadership to their fellow state leaders across the country as we continue to design, improve, and sustain state systems delivering home and community-based services and supports for people who are older, those who have a disability, and their caregivers.

Click here to see the full list of active ADvancing States leaders.