LeadingAge Wisconsin members gathered virtually for the organization's annual business meeting, where Board Chair Michelle Godfrey presided over a session covering budget approvals, board transitions, a national advocacy update and a progress report on the CEO search.

Strong Financial Performance

Finance Committee Chair Lynda Bogdala presented a positive financial picture for fiscal year 2025-26, with the organization forecasting approximately $400,000 in net profit. Sponsorship revenues increased by nearly $100,000, a result Bogdala attributed in large part to the work of LeadingAge Wisconsin staff. Payroll expenses came in below budget due to staff vacancies, offset by professional services contracts covering areas including clinical support, conference planning, lobbying and human resources.

The membership voted to approve the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget, developed using a zero-based budgeting approach. The budget accounts for costs associated with onboarding a new chief executive officer (CEO), including possible relocation and member engagement travel. Dues will remain flat for the coming year, while a task force led by board member Pam Klingfus examines the organization's broader dues structure. Any changes are expected to take effect no earlier than fiscal year 2027-28.

Board Transitions

The board approved second three-year terms for Pam Klingfus and Ron Schaetzel. Godfrey recognized two outgoing board members, Justin Cieslewicz and Frank Soltys, thanking both for their service and noting that a more formal recognition is planned at the fall conference.

National Advocacy Update

Board Vice Chair Nicole Pretre, who serves on the LeadingAge national board, reported on key federal policy priorities, including efforts to combat fraud, waste and abuse while protecting quality providers; the impact of immigration policy on the aging services workforce; Medicaid program changes following enactment of HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill; Medicare Advantage (MA) accountability; and fiscal year 2027 appropriations.

Pretre noted that since January 2025, 1.5 million people legally in the United States with work authorization have lost or are scheduled to lose that status, with significant implications for the aging services sector. She also highlighted that 95% of skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission requests denied by MA organizations and then appealed were overturned, according to a June 11 report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General.

On the organizational front, Pretre announced that registration opens July 20 for the 2026 LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Expo, scheduled for Oct. 25-28 in Philadelphia.

CEO Search and Organizational Vision

Godfrey reported that a search committee has reviewed initial CEO candidate submissions, with interviews scheduled for four candidates. The search follows a February board retreat facilitated by Greg Fine, who will also serve as keynote speaker at this fall's conference.

The retreat produced an envisioned future statement for the organization: "LeadingAge Wisconsin's efforts will result in Wisconsin being a national leader in aging services by building a sustainable workforce, modeling innovation, effectively shaping public policy, and delivering unmatched member value. We will lead the transformation of how aging is defined and experienced by shifting the narrative from decline to possibility, engagement, and community impact."

Godfrey closed by thanking LeadingAge Wisconsin staff for their work during the transition period and encouraged board members to be available for meetings and site visits as the organization prepares to welcome new leadership.

If you would like to view the meeting recording, please contact Taylor Raether.

Download the meeting packet here.