For Immediate Release

Date: February 4, 2011
Contact: Sara Arif
Director of Public Affairs
785.296.6154
sara.arif@aging.ks.gov

KDOA welcomes new staff

Acting Secretary Shawn Sullivan would like to welcome Bill Rein, Chief Attorney, Karla Werth, Special Assistant to the Secretary, and Sara Arif, Director of Public Affairs, to the Kansas Department on Aging.

“Bill Rein comes with a vast knowledge of not only the Agency but advocacy for all Kansans,” stated Secretary Sullivan. Rein started practicing law in 1977 and concentrated in the areas of mental health, criminal and juvenile law. He started his service to Kansas in 1984, when he became senior counsel for a division of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). During that time, he was the primary author of comprehensive mental health reform legislation.

Rein then served as Director of Hospital and Medical programs at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and then became KDHE’s Chief Administrative Law Judge. In 2003, Bill joined KDOA as a regulatory attorney; he prosecuted resident abuse and licensure cases at that time. Since 2008, Bill has served as “Of Counsel” for a Topeka law firm and disciplinary counsel for the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy.

Karla Werth previously served as Director of Constituent Services for former Governor Bill Graves and on the District Congressional Staff for Jerry Moran. More recently, she acted as Director of Member Services for the Kansas Health Care Association. A native of Hays, she has two grown children and two grandchildren.

“We are excited to have Karla Werth serving the Agency,” Secretary Sullivan said, “She comes to us with a vast knowledge of improving customer and constituent satisfaction.”

Sara Arif comes to KDOA from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, where she served in several roles. Prior to that, she was the Production Manager at Digital Evidence Group in Washington, DC. She originally came to Kansas from Minnesota to go to the University of Kansas. She now lives in Lawrence with her husband.

“Sara brings a new perspective to the issues facing state government. I look forward to facing the challenges in front of us with such a diverse staff,” concluded Secretary Sullivan.

The Kansas Department on Aging promotes the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors.

###