For Immediate Release

Date: April 6, 2011
Contact: Sara Arif
Director of Public Affairs
785.296.6154
sara.arif@aging.ks.gov

Kansas Department on Aging Hires Commissioners

Kansas Department on Aging Secretary Shawn Sullivan has appointed three new Commissioners to lead each department within the Agency: Licensure, Certification and Evaluation; Community Programs; and Financial and Information Services.

Joe Ewert has been hired to be the new Commissioner of Licensure, Certification and Evaluation. Ewert is currently the Director of Government Affairs for the Kansas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (KAHSA). Prior to his tenure at KAHSA, Ewert served as a Household Coordinator at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan and also as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve, which included deployments to Kuwait and Iraq.

“Joe is an excellent choice for the Licensure, Certification and Evaluation Commissioner. He is a skilled consensus builder, passionate about person-centered care, and knowledgeable about the regulatory process,” said Secretary Sullivan.

Susan Fout is the new Commissioner of Community Programs (formerly Program and Policy Commission). Fout has worked at the agency since 2003.  During most of that time, she served as the Director of Mental Health and Residential Facilities. Before coming to KDOA, Fout, a Registered Nurse, worked at the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging.

“Susan has great practical experience and has worked in several different positions serving people in the aging population. She brings a great perspective on giving seniors in Kansas more choices,” continued Sullivan.

Dave Halferty has been selected as the new Chief Financial Officer, leading the Financial and Information Services Commission (formerly Administrative Services). Halferty has been with the Agency since 1999. He served previously as the Director of the Nursing Facility Rate Setting and Auditing Division.

“Dave brings a new energy to the Financial and Information Services Commission. I look forward to working closely with Dave as we continue to find more cost efficient ways to serve Kansas seniors,” concluded Sullivan.

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