About Us

Aging can feel overwhelming.

We’re here to help.

For more than 50 years, Heritage Area Agency on Aging has walked alongside older Iowans and caregivers—helping people age with dignity, independence, and choice.

Whether you’re searching for resources or simply have a quick question, we can connect you with:

Experienced case workers
Nutrition and wellness programs
In-home care and senior living
Transportation services
Community and social activities

Our team includes caregivers, aging adults, and professionals who understand the path—because they’ve walked it, too. We’re not just a resource. We’re your advocate.

Call Today: 319.398.5559

Serving East-Central Iowa Since 1971

Heritage serves Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties.

We’re a proud member of USAging, a non-profit organization representing more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs nationwide.

What Guides Our Work

Our Mission

To provide leadership, advocacy, and innovative services that improve the quality of life for older Iowans, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers.

Our Vision

We envision communities where optimal aging happens—where aging is honored, supported, and celebrated.

Heritage’s Area Plan on Aging is the guiding document for implementing our mission and vision across the service area.

View Area Plan on Aging Call Today: 319.398.5559

Funded by Trust

and Community

We are a non-profit agency supported by:

The Older Americans Act
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Older Iowans Fund endowment
Grants and special programs
Donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners

Our Team

Barbara Werning

Executive Director

Kellie Elliott-Kapparos

Integrated Services Director

Jenn Knudtson

Fiscal Director

Jill Sindt

Community Advancement Director

Bryan Bruner

Health & Wellness Coordinator

Janice Coleman

Data Project Specialist

Katy Davis

Options Counselor

Tim Getty

Regional Nutrition Coordinator

Kimi Hambright

IRTC/Options Counselor Coordinator

Shannon Kiekhoefer

Options Counselor/Case Manager

Mandy Leemhuis

Elder Rights Specialist/Case Manager

Harrison March

Community Engagement Coordinator

Ann Neville

Case Manager

Chanel Prince

Elder Rights Specialist

Julie Roman

Nutrition Program Coordinator

Amy Rasmussen

Elder Rights Specialist

Anna Slife

Nutrition Services Coordinator

Jennifer Sloan

Finance Coordinator

Laura Symmonds

Elder Rights Coordinator

Jennifer Walker

Information, Referral & Assistance Specialist

Denise Babcock

Operations Coordinator

Keith Stamp, Chair

Kirkwood Community College
Board of Trustees

Sister Susan O’Connor, Vice-Chair

At-Large
Mercy Medical Center

Scott Olson, Treasurer

At-Large
Cedar Rapids City Council

Karen Huber, Secretary

At-Large
Walking You Home

Grace Schmidt

Benton County designee
Benton County Public Health

Bruce Barnhart

Cedar County designee
Board of Supervisors

Chris Montross

Iowa County designee
Board of Supervisors

Mandi Remington

Johnson County designee
Board of Supervisors

Jon Zirkelbach

Jones County designee
Board of Supervisors

David Thielen

Linn County designee
Linn County Community Services

Karri Fisher

Washington County designee
Washington County Public Health

Peggy Doerge

At-Large
Kirkwood Board of Trustees

Jessica Fairbanks

At-Large
Right Dose Pharmacy

Sarah Wagner

At-Large
MHDS of the East Central Region

Dusti Winkie

At-Large
Wallace & Beverly Winkie Foundation

Larry Kudej

Board Advisor
AARP Iowa State President

What is an Advisory Council?

Area Agencies on Aging across the country utilize the expertise and advice of volunteers on their Advisory Councils. Heritage’s Advisory Council is made up of older adults, service providers, and other insightful members from across the region. The group has five key focuses: Advocacy, Planning, Communications, Resource Development, and Education.

Kendra Abel

Iowa County Health Department

Rep. Elinor Levin

Elected Official, Johnson County

Pat Meier

Linn County

Karen Roe

Iowa County

Linda Thomsen

Jones County

Evans Waller

Cedar County

Meeting Minutes - Board of Directors

Current Year

No approved meeting minutes yet this fiscal year

Past Years

Meeting Agendas - Board of Directors

Current Year

July 2026

Past Years

Fiscal Year 2027 Meeting Dates

Heritage AAA’s Board of Directors meets the second Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. Meetings are hosted in a hybrid format: in-person at the Heritage AAA office or virtually via Zoom. Meetings are open to the public.

July 19, 2026
August 13, 2026
September 10, 2026
October 8, 2026
November 12, 2026
December: no meeting
January 14, 2027
February 11, 2027
March 11, 2027
April 8, 2027
May 13, 2027
June 10, 2027

Meeting Minutes - Advisory Council

Current Year

No approved meeting minutes yet this fiscal year

Past Years

Meeting Agendas - Advisory Council

Current Year

No meeting agendas yet this year

Past Years

Join Our Team

Want a career where your work truly matters? Explore job openings and see how you can make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands across eastern Iowa.

Information Specialist/Options Counselor