Secretary Sullivan's Bio

As Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, Shawn Sullivan heads a $561 million cabinet-level agency whose job it is to promote the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors. The agency is responsible for administration of Older American’s Act programs, distribution of Medicaid long-term care payments and regulation and survey processes for several different adult care home licensure categories.

The Secretary has been involved with aging services the last 18 years. He has a degree in business administration from Kansas State University and master’s in applied gerontology from North Texas.

The Secretary came to KDOA from Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita, where he was executive director. He has been a committed presence at the state and national level with several boards and advocacy groups. The Secretary has also been a leader in the movement to transform senior living communities from traditional institutions to residential homes where elders drive their own lives.

The Masonic Home was honored by KDOA in 2010 as a PEAK Award winner for its efforts in culture change and person-centered care. Sullivan also was executive director at two other communities when they earned PEAK Awards: Lyons Good Samaritan Center and Newton Presbyterian Manor.