About Us
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.
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.
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
Drew Floyd
Elder Rights Specialist
Tim Getty
Regional Nutrition Coordinator
Kimi Hambright
IRTC/Options Counselor Coordinator
Miranda Kasemeier
Options Counselor
Shannon Kiekhoefer
Options Counselor/Case Manager
Mandy Leemhuis
Elder Rights Specialist/Case Manager
Harrison March
Community Engagement Coordinator
Ann Neville
Case Manager
Julie Roman
Nutrition Program Coordinator
Madalyn Schiffer
Information Specialist/Options Counselor
Anna Slife
Nutrition Services Coordinator
Jennifer Sloan
Finance Coordinator
Laura Symmonds
Elder Rights Coordinator
Jennifer Walker
Information, Referral & Assistance Specialist
Angela Wright
Options Counselor
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
Home Instead
Sarah Wagner
Benton County designee
Benton County Social Services
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
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.
Kay Fisk
Linn County
Shirley Geadelmann
Cedar County
Marianne Hanshaw
Washington County
Judi Hertle
Benton County
Don Kline
Washington County
Larry Kudej
Johnson County
Rep. Elinor Levin
Elected Official
Lisa Tallman
Jones County
Fiscal Year 2026 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 10, 2025
- August 14, 2025
- September 11, 2025
- October 9, 2025
- November 13, 2025
- December: no meeting
- January 8, 2026
- February 12, 2026
- March 12, 2026
- April 9, 2026
- May 14, 2026
- June 11, 2026
Meeting Minutes - Advisory Council
No meeting minutes yet this fiscal year
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.
Click on a position title to see the full description and apply on Indeed:
Contact Us
Our Office
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Enter our campus via the south entrance or 76th Ave. Drive SW and drive to the top of the hill.
Our Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am–4:30pm
Appointments are encouraged.
Call Us
Main Office: 319.398.5559
Toll-Free: 1.800.332.5934
