Council on Aging (COA) is overseen by a board of trustees and assisted by an advisory council. The board establishes rules for COA’s operation and directs the organization’s affairs in keeping with Council on Aging’s mission to enhance lives by assisting people to remain independent through a range of quality services. Advisory council members represent the needs of older adults across COA’s service area and give voice to older consumers of services, people with disabilities and others involved in the field of aging. Board and advisory council members live and work in COA’s five-county service area and bring a wealth of professional and personal experience to COA and its leadership team.
Kaneesha Ogle, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE, MSW, LSW is a new member of COA’s Board of Trustees representing Butler County. She serves on the board’s SOAR and Program Planning committees and is an assistant professor of nursing at Miami University. Dr. Ogle has a nursing background in critical care and wound care and as a social worker, her background includes community work among the mental health population. Dr. Ogle’s research has focused on older adult perceptions related to falls and fall risk.
What interested you in serving on Council on Aging’s Board of Trustees?
My interest in COA stems from my experience as both a social worker and a nurse, where I had the privilege of working closely with older adults. This work reinforced my belief in the importance of ensuring this population has access to the resources they need to thrive. I am passionate about being part of an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering older adults, and I am inspired by COA’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in their lives.
Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenge(s) facing Council on Aging and older adults in our community?
Some of the biggest challenges Council on Aging may face revolve around securing sustainable funding, addressing workforce shortages and adapting to the evolving needs of the aging population. As the demographics and expectations of older adults shift, it becomes increasingly important to ensure programs and services remain relevant, accessible and adequately resourced to meet these changing demands effectively.
What excites you most about COA’s future and how do you see yourself contributing to it?
What excites me most about the future of Council on Aging is the opportunity to contribute to the new and innovative approaches the organization is implementing to meet the evolving needs of the community. Being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving lives is truly inspiring and I look forward to helping drive meaningful change.
Thinking about your time on COA’s board, what COA moment are you most proud of?
Although I have only served a short time, I am already amazed by the incredible work COA is involved in. The dedication and impact of this organization is truly inspiring and I am excited to contribute further and help create many more meaningful and inspiring moments in the future.
Which COA value speaks most to you and why?
Compassion and innovation resonate the most with me. Compassion is essential because it ensures we serve our community in a meaningful and impactful way, truly addressing their needs with empathy and care. At the same time, innovation is vital for developing new and creative approaches to serving our community effectively, allowing us to meet evolving challenges while staying true to our compassionate mission.
What’s the most important lesson you learned from an older adult in your life?
My grandmother taught me that kindness always wins and that it’s easy to be kind to others. She was a shining example of this, always ready with a kind word, willing to help those in need and giving to others even when she had little to offer. Her generosity and compassion left a lasting impression on me and continues to inspire the way I approach serving others.
My grandmother’s kindness, generosity and compassion are the reasons I was inspired to work professionally with older adults. Serving on COA’s Board of Trustees allows me to honor her legacy by contributing to the amazing work being done to support and empower this population.
Click here to learn about current open Advisory Council open seats.