Barbara Werning Named Executive Director of Heritage Area Agency on Aging

Barbara Werning has been named the Executive Director at Heritage Area Agency on Aging, the agency’s Board of Directors announced today. Werning’s start date is July 1, 2020, coinciding with the start of State Fiscal Year 2021.

Werning comes to Heritage AAA after serving as Executive Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Prior to that role, she was Executive Director at House of Hope in Waterloo. Her résumé also includes several years spent as a Director of Social Services at multiple long-term care facilities.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to join the dedicated staff of Heritage Area Agency on Aging,” Werning said. “I look forward to serving our community and finding new and innovative ways to improve the quality of life for older adults, adults living with disabilities and caregivers.”

Werning will be Heritage’s first Executive Director since July 2017 and its first since transitioning to a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in July 2019. Interim Co-Directors Kellie Elliott-Kapparos and Jill Sindt have headed the agency the past three years and, upon Werning’s start, will maintain their roles as Integrated Services Director and Community Advancement Director, respectively.

“On behalf of Heritage Area Agency on Aging’s Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Barbara to the organization,” said Larry Kudej, Board Chairman. “Her experience and expertise in non-profit management will be a great asset to Heritage and its consumers. We’re looking forward to starting this new chapter under her leadership.”

Werning grew up on her family’s farm in Benton County before attending the University of Northern Iowa (BA, Social Work) and Texas Woman’s University (MS, Family Studies). She enjoys spending time with her three children and her grandson.