CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER– Suzanne Abel Burke

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER– Arlene de Silva

ACCOUNTING – David Wolfzorn, Controller
The Accounting Department is responsible for maintaining the financial records of the agency in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These responsibilities range from performing daily financial activities to reporting on those activities and the status of the agency’s various programs to both internal and external users of the agency’s financial information. Budgets for all funding sources are prepared and monitored by Accounting. Accounting also oversees the agency’s annual audit, as well as various other audits required by COA’s funding sources.

AUDIT – Carolyn Smith, Director of Audit and Business
The Audit Department is charged with the duty of auditing the accounting and statistical data for service providers in our five-county area. External audits of providers are performed in order to verify compliance with the policies and procedures prescribed by the Agency.

COMMUNICATIONS– Laurie Petrie, Director

The Communications Director helps COA create, maintain and improve mutually beneficial relationships with its audiences and stakeholders. Tasks include: anticipating and analyzing stakeholder needs and attitudes that affect the agency; serving as a central source of information; maintaining positive media relations; producing publications and presentations; responding to crises; marketing; shaping the agency’s image; enhancing community relations; and coordinating internal communications.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION – Chris Brand, Manager
The Community Resources & Information Department is responsible for answering questions and providing resources to callers about older adult issues. Through the Speakers Bureau, information and education are provided to the public about the services available for older adults. This department also coordinates COA’s special events such as Senior Expo, the Forum on Aging, and the Senior Art Show. New Directions, the agency’s quarterly newsletter, and COA’s annual calendar are published by this department.

CONTRACT SERVICES - Pat Maloney Woody, Manager
The Contract Services Department is responsible for the preparation and processing of Provider Service Agreements, general contracting, and the maintenance of the COA Provider Information Database. The Contract Services Team also coordinates major purchasing for COA and serves as building liaison for COA staff and Target Management and Leasing.

HAMILTON COUNTY ELDERLY SERVICES PROGRAM (ESP) – Richard Kidd, Manager
ESP is an innovative home care program supported by a Hamilton County tax levy. It provides in-home services to eligible older adults making it possible for the participants to remain independent in their own homes. Some of the services provided include home delivered meals, homemaking, personal care, respite for caregivers, adult day services, medical transportation and minor home repairs. ESP programs are also available to eligible older adults in Butler, Clinton and Warren counties and are overseen by COA’s Levy Liaison.

HOME HEALTH AIDE & CAREGIVER EDUCATION – Cindy Fischer, Manager
Both the “informal” and “formal” Council on Aging Learning Advantages Programs (COALA) are managed through this department. The “informal” COALA program provides free in-home education by a RN directly to clients and/or caregivers over the age of 60. This education includes physical, emotional and resource information, and referrals are open to all communities served by COA. The “formal” COALA program provides 65 hours of technical and skills training by a RN and is designed to educate those interested in being employed as a qualified Home Health Aide.

HUMAN RESOURCES
The Human Resources Department is responsible for the recruitment and intake of new employees, benefits administration, wage administration, EEO, employee relations, performance evaluation, job descriptions, policy manual maintenance and enforcement, as well as personnel law compliance and committee coordination.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – Garrett Ruark, Manager
The IT Department is responsible for agency Information Technology and phone operations. IT maintains the agency network and security for agency computers and software and also updates and maintains the agency website.

PASSPORT (Pre-Admission Screening System Providing Options and Resources Today) – Pam Berry, Manager
PASSPORT is a program in the Long Term Care Division. It is a home care option to eligible older adults who are 60+ and eligible for Community Medicaid. It provides recipients assistance with services such as homemaker, social work counseling, personal care, respite, and adult day care, to name a few. From the initial call through assessment, then case management, the eligible consumer will work hand-in-hand with a licensed social worker or registered nurse in developing a plan of care to meet their individual needs.

PLANNING – Ken Wilson, Director of Programs and Planning
The Planning Department is responsible for strategic planning, program and senior center development, report writing, and performance outcome measurement. Responsibilities also include evaluation, grant writing, RSS provider development, coordinating the home modification program, and administration of State funding and Title III of the Older Americans Act.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT – Rae Marie Wyatt, Manager
The Quality Improvement Team assures that agencies applying to become providers for Council on Aging clients meet the standards set by Federal, State and Local programs. The team monitors those contracted to provide services, while also offering technical assistance, to continually improve the quality of services offered to our clients. The QI Department also staffs a full-time dietician who is responsible for monitoring the food vendor that supplies the home delivered and congregate meals, as well as those agencies that self produce. This dietician also reviews and approves the menus created by each of the providers. A part-time dietician conducts educational programming in senior centers.

RESIDENTIAL STATE SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM (RSS) – Pam Berry, Manager
RSS is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance for supportive living in an approved setting to eligible blind, aged, or disabled adults. Participants receive room and board, personal care services and supervision, but must not require nursing home care.