Ohio Department of Aging Director Announces Retirement – Replacement Named

Ohio Department of Aging Director Bonnie K. Burman announced that she will be retiring August 1. Burman has served as director of the agency since January 2011. The Area Agency on Aging appreciates Director Burman’s service to Ohio seniors, and looks forward to working with her replacement, Department of Administrative Services’ Chief of Staff Stephanie Loucka.

“Bonnie has been a tireless supporter of ways to help older Ohioans thrive and contribute as active members of their communities and has been an invaluable member of my Cabinet in helping us jumpstart some of our most innovative new programs,” said Governor John Kasich. “I have confidence that Stephanie Loucka can help us carry that progress forward and continue the Department of Aging’s fine work to help Ohio seniors.”

A member of the governor’s Cabinet from the beginning of his administration, Director Burman has been instrumental in strengthening state efforts to serve the elderly, including preventative aging programs, senior health care reforms and policies allowing older Ohioans to remain in the comfort of their homes. In addition, she has taken on special assignments from the governor to help launch key initiatives including the development of prescribing guidelines for opioids, the Start Talking! drug-prevention program for young Ohioans and the Community Connector mentoring grants.

Loucka, a graduate of Otterbein University and the University Of Cincinnati College of Law, previously served the Department of Aging as human resources director and assistant director from 2011 to 2013. More recently she has held senior positions with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, where she is presently chief of staff.