LeadingAge Ohio has named current Chief Policy Officer Susan Wallace the organization’s next president and CEO.
The appointment is effective March 15 and follows the retirement of President and CEO Kathryn Brod, who announced in August 2021 her plans to step back following a long career in senior living, corporate finance, and association leadership.
A member search committee facilitated by the Deffet Group selected Wallace. The board of directors confirmed their choice Feb. 11.
Wallace began at LeadingAge Ohio following eight years with the Midwest Care Alliance prior to its merger with LeadingAge Ohio in 2014. Wallace has steered advocacy work for LeadingAge Ohio since 2019, serving as spokesperson and subject matter expert for Medicaid reimbursement and other policy issues.
She began her career as a social worker with Mount Carmel Hospice prior to various quality-related roles at the Midwest Care Alliance, including operating a multi-state quality improvement program and advising the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the development of standardized quality measures for hospices.
“I have seen Susan grow over the years into a respected policy expert and leader for our field, and I can’t think of a better individual to take over as the next President/CEO of LeadingAge Ohio,” said Brod. “Her expertise, strength and compassion will serve our members and staff well as they continue to build upon the progress we’ve achieved.”
Brod began as President/CEO of LeadingAge Ohio in 2014. She has been a tireless advocate for older Ohioans and the aging services workforce. Achievements during her nearly nine years as president and CEO include steering the association through four successive state budgets, navigating an ongoing workforce crisis, and leading the association through a global pandemic which struck hardest in the long-term care sector.
Brod has also supported technology as a tool for providers and consumers, judging the McKnight’s Technology Awards in multiple years.
LeadingAge Ohio represents nearly 400 predominantly nonprofit providers of aging services and post-acute care around the state of Ohio.
