Laurie Brownell
Director,
Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging; President, m4a
Laurie started her role as SEMAAA’s executive director in 2017. She brings a strong background of nonprofit organization management, having served in leadership roles for over 35 years with agencies serving persons with disabilities and older adults in Southeastern Minnesota. She has a Masters’ Degree in Health and Human Services from St. Mary’s University. Laurie has a strong passion for volunteering and serves on several area boards. She is the president of the Southeastern Minnesota Miracle Field where kids and adults can play baseball—individuals of all ages and abilities are welcomed. She teaches disability awareness to boy scouts to help them earn their merit badge and is the author of the children’s book, In Blue’s Shoes. A fun story about the adventures of Blue, a reliable and quirky service dog. Laurie is married and they have two adult children. Their dog, Winnifred, completes the family.
Heather Pender
Director, Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging
Heather Pender is the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging Director. Heather joined the NWRDC 7 years ago in her role as a Community Living Specialist and took on additional duties as the CLS Lead Staff. Heather has an educational background in Gerontology and Public Health Administration and will bring innovative ideas and a strong vision for rural older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities in Northwest and West Central Minnesota.
Rebecca Sash
Director, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
Rebecca is the director of the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging (AAAA), which serves the seven counties of Northeastern Minnesota. With a deep passion for addressing the diverse needs of the aging population, she is dedicated to building strategic partnerships that improve the lives of older adults in the region. Rebecca began her journey with AAAA in 2014 as a social worker intern and has since advanced through various roles, including evidence-based health program coordinator and Older Americans Act grant manager. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and is committed to fostering innovative solutions that support the health, well-being and independence of older adults.
Dawn Simonson
President and CEO,
Trellis
Dawn Simonson is the president and CEO of Trellis, the Area Agency on Aging for the Twin Cities metro area. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of aging, healthcare and advocacy, Dawn is recognized for her leadership as an innovator and collaborator. Her priorities are to develop networks and other partnerships that support older adults to live healthy and secure lives at home. Dawn is also a respected voice in the aging policies and practices arena through her voluntary lead roles with the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging, Minnesota Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Minnesota’s ACT on Alzheimer’s initiative and Dementia Friendly America. She is a past president of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and currently serves on their Mission Forward Committee. Dawn has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.
Jason Swanson
Executive Director,
Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging
Jason W. Swanson is the executive director of the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging since March 2019. Swanson previously worked in the long-term care profession, serving in an administrative role in assisted living, independent living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities. A graduate of Bemidji State University, Swanson has formerly served on the Walnut Grove Area Foundation Board, Tracy Lions, has been an AHCA/NCAL Senior Examiner and a part of the Care Providers of Minnesota Housing Cabinet. Swanson currently lives in rural Brown County with his wife, Devon, and their two children, Nolan and Neveya. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his children, reading, golfing, listening to music and watching the Chicago Cubs.
Lori Vrolson
Executive Director,
Central Minnesota Council on Aging; Immediate Past President, m4a
Lori Vrolson has more than 27 years’ experience in the field of aging. Currently, she is the executive director of the Central MN Council on Aging (CMCOA), serving the 14 counties in the central region of Minnesota. The Area Agency on Aging assists individuals to age successfully and develops the capacity of communities to care for an aging population. CMCOA administers the federal Older Americans Act funding program for non-medical in-home services, provides Senior LinkAge Line® information and assistance and develops innovative services and programs. Current focus areas include developing Lifetime Communities, expanding evidence-based chronic disease self-management resources, and assisting older adults as they transition across health and long-term care settings. Lori serves as past president of the Minnesota Gerontology Society and past chair of the MN Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Lori holds a Master of Science Degree in Gerontology with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science with a minor in Public Administration.