Division of Aging Leadership Changes

The Indiana Family and Social Service Agency announced the resignation of Director of the Division of Aging, Steve Smith. Steve had served as the Director since January 2006. He was the State's first Director of the Division of Aging and oversaw the creation of the Options program which has given Hoosier Seniors the ability to stay in their communities through an increase in home and community-based services.

Steve was appreciated by the assisted living community for his ability to create change in a timely manner to improve/increase access to programs and services for many Hoosier Seniors. Many waiver rates were increased to much more realistic levels to expand the opportunities for lower income seniors desiring to remain in the community. "Indiana is a better place for seniors due to Steve Smith's leadership," commented Mitch Roob, Secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. "We were very fortunate to have someone of Steve's caliber working in public service as long as he has. Working with him has been an honor and a privilege."
Among Steve’s many achievements are:

• The Aged and Disabled Waiver wait list was reduced from nearly 2,500 to an all-time low of 519.
• The total number of Hoosiers served on the Aged and Disabled Waiver reached an all-time high of 6,652. This included 1,187 conversions from CHOICE to Waiver.
• The number of Home and Community-Based Service providers increased by over 100 percent.
• Consumer-Directed Attendant Care became available on the Aged and Disabled Waiver for the first time.
• Adult Foster Care homes were established and the first Adult Foster Care homes were opened under the Aged and Disabled Waiver.
• The $1 Million "Home Again" program was established in partnership with Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, providing rent subsidy and home modification assistance for current Nursing Facility residents desiring to return to their own home.
• Awarded $21 Million for the Money Follows the Person Grant.

IALFA thanks Steve for his contributions to the Indiana Seniors and providers and we look forward to working with him as the new President of the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA).

Mitch Roob has also announced that Megan Ornellas, formerly the Deputy Director of the Division of Family Resources, will now serve as the new Director of the Division of Aging. A native of Illinois, Megan served in the Budget Agencies of the states of Illinois, Florida and Indiana where she focused on health care funding. She had joined FSSA as the Deputy Director of the Division of Family Resources earlier this year. We look forward to meeting and working with Megan closely in the days ahead. For further information, visit the FSSA web site at www.in.gov/fssa.