2026 Governor’s Policy Summit on Healthy Aging Charts Path to a Future-Ready State

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The second annual Governor's Policy Summit on Healthy Aging, hosted by the Ohio Department of Aging (AGE), brought together Ohio's foremost thought leaders, policy innovators, and changemakers to help shape the state's strategy to support healthy aging.

This year's focus was the pivotal intersection of demographic change, economic development, and emerging technologies.

"Ohio is not only the top state for business, but it is also an age-friendly state," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "That means Ohio has the resources, stability, and momentum to invest in the well-being of older Ohioans. By creating opportunities where older Ohioans can thrive, we are strengthening families, supporting our communities, and making Ohio an even better place to live, work, and grow older.

"Ohio has set a bold vision: to become the best place to age in the nation," said AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy. "Our vision becomes real when we work together to turn policy promises into systems people can understand, access, and count on."

The Governor's Policy Summit on Healthy Aging featured the following speakers and panelists:

• Adam Axcell, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, National Church Residences
• Alice Burns, Associate Director of Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured, KFF
• Rick Carfagna, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
• Jenny Carlson, State Director, AARP Ohio
• Dave Cocagne, President and CEO, Vermilion Development
• Ann Conn, President and CEO, The McGregor Foundation
• Jennifer Kucera, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Outreach, Center for Disability Empowerment
• Shari M. Ling, M.D., Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Ursel J. McElroy, Director, Ohio Department of Aging
• Kelly O'Reilly, President and CEO, Ohio Association of Health Plans
• Brian Perera, Senior Policy Advisor, ZHF Consulting
• Barbara Sears Roshon, Partner, Strategic Health Care

Held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the event included additional guest speakers and policy sessions covering aging as an economic engine for Ohio; assessing the state and federal levers that drive economic participation; unlocking responsible use of Ohio's aging-related data to bolster public trust; and examining the performance and value of Ohio's aging services network to guide stronger outcomes. ATI Advisory facilitated the policy sessions.

Jennifer Kucera, who also serves as Chair of the Ohio Olmstead Task Force, served as the summit's finale speaker. At the 2026 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference in August, Director McElroy presented her with the President's Award, honoring her leadership in elevating the voices of others, driving systemic change, and advancing equity for older adults, people with disabilities, and the caregivers who support them.

About AGE - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home- and community-based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov