Council on Aging (COA) is pleased to welcome Nancy (Nan) Kohnen Cahall as Government Relations Manager. Cahall most recently served as the SW Ohio District Director for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman.
As the region’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA), COA serves as an advocate for the nearly 365,000 individuals age 60 and older who call southwestern Ohio home. At the local, state and federal levels, COA advocates for policies and programs that will help achieve its mission to help adults remain independent in their homes and communities.
“Council on Aging is recognized and respected for having one of the most robust and successful advocacy programs among Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging,” said Council on Aging CEO Suzanne Burke. “Our staff meet regularly with legislators and officials at all levels of government to provide education and discuss issues impacting older adults and caregivers. These meetings and the resulting relationships have had a positive impact on those we serve. Nan has the experience and skills to continue this tradition and to further strengthen our advocacy program,” Burke added.
With more than 25 years of public policy and community relations experience and as a family caregiver herself, Cahall has the experience, skills and passion to be a highly effective advocate for the population COA serves. Throughout her career, Cahall has provided advice and support to elected officials and has advocated on behalf of industry leaders and community organizations. In addition to her role in Sen. Portman’s office, she has held leadership roles with U.S. Sen. and former Ohio Gov. George Voinovich, as well as in higher education and business associations.
“I have had the privilege of serving as a caregiver for members of my family, so I’ve seen firsthand the challenges many older adults and their families face when they are trying to navigate a complicated system of care and resources,” Cahall said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to use my professional skills and my personal experience to have a direct, positive impact on my community.”
From a critical shortage of home care workers and social isolation caused by the pandemic, to the impact of inflation and rising housing costs on older adults, there are many issues impacting older adults and the community-based organizations that serve them. In her role at COA, Cahall will work with COA’s leadership team, playing a key role in ensuring local, state and federal elected officials, as well as community and business leaders, understand the issues facing older adults and caregivers. She will work to bring about advocacy outcomes that improve the quality of life for older adults in COA’s service area and across the state.
In addition to her work on behalf of legislators and associations, Cahall has served on the board of trustees for Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati. She is a past member of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Public Policy Committee and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. She is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government.