Published: Sunday, February 27, 2005
The Topeka Capital-Journal
By: Ann Marie Bush
Pamela Johnson-Betts has spent most of her life giving a voice to people who sometimes can't speak for themselves.
Johnson-Betts, who will be honored during the American Business Women's Association 23rd annual scholarship luncheon March 29, was appointed secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius two years ago.
Traveling around the state to speak with and listen to senior citizens is an important part of Johnson-Betts' job, and it's one she enjoys.
"I get out around the state as much as possible," said Johnson-Betts, who graduated from Topeka High School. "Communication is key. A sign of a good leader is listening. Listening is one thing, but hearing is another." Johnson-Betts said she has identified five key issues for seniors: public awareness, nursing home culture change (resident-centered care facilities), cultural competency (equal care for senior citizens in urban and rural counties), continuum of care and mental health.
"I want to lead the agency in the direction of not only serving seniors today but having a plan of how to serve seniors in the future," Johnson-Betts said.
Being recognized by the ABWA is an honor, she said.
"I am deeply honored to be considered one of those women," she said. "I find myself in great company."
Glenda Walters, who served on the ABWA research committee that selected Johnson-Betts, said she is a worthy honoree.
"She certainly is someone who deserves the recognition given her career and volunteer work," Walters said. "She really has a passion for community and public service. She has shown great leadership with her career and has won numerous awards."
As secretary of aging, Johnson-Betts gives a voice to Kansas seniors. But even before her appointment, Johnson-Betts spent her life dedicated to community service.
Born in Topeka, Johnson-Betts was raised by her father, a railway mail clerk, and her mother, a nurse at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center. Johnson-Betts credits her parents, who still live in Topeka, for raising her with good values that have helped her get to where she is today.
"While you're blessed with particular talents, without the spiritual foundation and the family support, it would be difficult to navigate these waters," she said.
Johnson-Betts attended Washburn University, where she met her husband, Wendell Betts, a Topeka lawyer. They have three children.
She spent a year in Fort Carson, Colo., where her husband served in the Army and she worked as an equal employment officer for the Army hospital. The couple then moved back to Topeka. Johnson-Betts has a master's degree in social work from The University of Kansas. She worked for Topeka Unified School District 501 as a social worker, then as a comptroller for Southwestern Bell. She returned to USD 501 as director of Comer Process. As part of the program, she worked with parents at five schools to engage them in the education process.
"Many of the concepts of Comer are still there," Johnson-Betts said.
Johnson-Betts' government experience includes director of the Office of Government and Community Relations with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and resource development specialist for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.
Former Gov. Bill Graves appointed Johnson-Betts to the African American Affairs Commission. After three years, she resigned and became the commission's acting executive director.
"It is, for me, a natural progression because it's community service," she said of her latest role in public service. "The plan was to serve to contribute in a way that made a difference for diverse populations -- those less able to speak for themselves."
What: The American Business Women's Association's 23rd annual scholarship luncheon
When: Noon March 29 in Maner Conference Center at the Kansas Expocentre
Benefits: Proceeds from the luncheon have provided more than $177,000 in scholarships for women pursuing degrees at Washburn University.
Tickets: To purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible contribution, call Tammy Fisher at (785) 228-7610 or e-mail tfisher@cbtks.com.
More information: www.abwa-career.org