ST. PAUL, Minn.—After an executive search process led by its board and members, LeadingAge Minnesota has selected Kari Thurlow as its new president and CEO. For the past 40 years, the organization was led by Gayle Kvenvold, who is slated to retire in the coming days and whose many contributions have been celebrated by the organization and industry.
Thurlow previously served as the senior vice president of advocacy at LeadingAge Minnesota.
Thurlow comes to this new position after over 15 years of advocating for Minnesota’s seniors and their caregivers as the head of LeadingAge Minnesota’s public policy efforts.
Thurlow holds a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a bachelor of arts in political science and communications from Concordia College.
The board of directors selected Thurlow following a thorough executive search process led by board and staff members. Positioned to enhance the experience of aging through support for senior service providers, LeadingAge Minnesota sees Thurlow as exactly the right leader to support its members during these challenging times.
“The aging services sector is at a transformational moment as we continue to fight COVID-19 and address the significant workforce challenges we face in its midst. Kari has the experience and the vision to move us forward together to serve Minnesota’s seniors,” said board chair Erin Hilligan. “She brings strategic thinking, visionary leadership, a strong commitment to our collaborative culture, and a personal passion for ensuring all Minnesota’s seniors have access to the care they need.”
“Under the strong leadership of Gayle Kvenvold, LeadingAge Minnesota has built a foundation of excellence for aging service providers in Minnesota, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to build upon her legacy,” said Thurlow. “Early in 2022, Minnesota will welcome its one-millionth senior. It is more important than ever to ensure older adults in our state can age with dignity, meaning, and purpose in all the places they call home.”
About LeadingAge Minnesota
LeadingAge Minnesota is a statewide membership association of approximately 1,400 older adult service providers driven to transform and enhance the experience of aging. Together with more than 60,000 caregivers, our members provide quality services and supports to 55,000 older adults every day in senior housing, assisted living, adult day, home care and skilled nursing settings all across the state of Minnesota.
