Governor Parkinson names Martin Kennedy Acting Secretary of Aging
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Governor Parkinson names Martin Kennedy Acting Secretary of Aging Announces Belinda Vierthaler as Long-Term Care Ombudsman TOPEKA -- Governor Mark Parkinson has named Martin “Marty” Kennedy as the Acting Secretary of Aging. Kennedy replaces outgoing Secretary Kathy Greenlee who became the Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Marty exhibits a commitment to Kansas seniors and a passion for public service, making him a great addition to my cabinet,” Parkinson said. “His leadership and experience within the Department of Aging will help ensure the agency has a seamless transition and benefit the entire state.” Kennedy’s career in government and health care management and finance spans over more than 20 years, focusing on building systems and advocating services that support vulnerable Kansans. He has been with the Department on Aging since 2004 and was named Deputy Secretary last November. Previously, the Acting Secretary served in finance and management roles, including Controller for the Kansas Insurance Department and as a Principal Analyst in the Kansas Division of the Budget. He earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Kansas State University. Kennedy served as interim Secretary when Kathy Greenlee was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in late June. The Governor’s Cabinet is subject to Kansas Senate Confirmation. While the Legislature is adjourned, the Senate Oversight Committee must approve the appointment until the Senate can consider the nomination. The Kansas Department on Aging is a cabinet-level agency that has 300 employees across the state and promotes the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors. The agency is responsible for administration of Older American’s Act programs, distribution of Medicaid long-term care payments and regulation of nursing home licensure and survey processes. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Governor Parkinson has also named Belinda Vierthaler (VEER’ –thay –lur) as the state’s Acting Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Vierthaler replaces former Ombudsman Gilbert Cruz who resigned in June 2009 to enter the private sector. “Belinda brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the adult care community as Acting Long-Term Care Ombudsman,” said Parkinson. “Many Kansas seniors rely upon adult care homes to provide for them in their later years, and as such, they deserve the utmost care. I am confident in Belinda’s abilities to help protect the welfare of these Kansans and ease the burden for their families.” Vierthaler, Bonner Springs, previously served as a social worker at the Independence Regional Health Center and in the Geriatric-Psychiatry Unit at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. She later became Executive Director of Mission Springs Assisted Living and Ashford Place Assisted Living. Vierthaler then served as Administrator at Shawnee Gardens Healthcare and Rehabilitation, followed by her most recent role as Executive Director at Villages of Jackson Creek- Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas and received her Adult Care Home Administrator License from Kansas City Kansas Community College. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program represents the rights of nearly 28,000 individuals located in adult care homes throughout Kansas. This coverage is comprised of nursing home facilities, assisted living facilities, home plus facilities, and Long-Term Care Units hospitals. The ombudsman program provides free advocacy assistance to long-term care residents. Vierthaler’s appointment also requires Kansas Senate Confirmation or, while the Legislature is adjourned, approval from the Senate Oversight Committee until the Senate can review her nomination. Governor Parkinson appointed and reappointed many others to a variety of other boards and commissions which require Senate approval. Their appointments have been delivered to the Senate Oversight Committee for its consideration until the full Senate can take up the nominations. |
