HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich has been appointed to the advisory boards of two esteemed national organizations dedicated to serving older adults and tackling elder mistreatment. These appointments underscore his leadership in elder care and align closely with Pennsylvania’s initiatives to improve the well-being and safety of its aging population.
Secretary Kavulich now serves as a strategic advisor to the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment, a program led by the Education Development Center (EDC), and has joined the board of directors for ADvancing States, the national association representing state agencies for aging and long-term services.
“Pennsylvania is the fifth oldest state in the nation by population. One in four Pennsylvanians is over the age of 60, and that number will rise to one in three by 2030,” said Secretary Kavulich. “It’s vital that we become part of the national conversation, exchanging best practices and models for how we can ensure that older adults can stay safe, thrive, and continue to contribute to their communities. Because we have a Governor and an administration committed to policies that support healthy aging, we already have success stories to bring to the table.”
Building a Stronger Future for Aging Pennsylvanians
At the heart of Pennsylvania’s work is Aging Our Way, PA, a forward-focused 10-year plan to revamp aging services infrastructure across the state. Part of this initiative includes the Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE), a groundbreaking monitoring system implemented in early 2025 to assess the performance of Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
Using CAPE, the Department of Aging now publishes detailed results to evaluate how well local agencies are meeting the needs of older adults. To bolster accountability and enhance service delivery, $2 million in funding has been proposed in the 2025-26 state budget to expand oversight of the AAA network. An additional $20 million investment is earmarked to support these agencies in sustaining and enhancing critical services for older residents.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Secretary Kavulich’s latest appointments build on his longstanding commitment to elder care. He previously directed the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, where he spearheaded the development of the Older Adult Advocacy Center in Scranton. This innovative model integrates medical, behavioral, legal, and judicial services while also providing temporary housing for victims of elder mistreatment.
With Kavulich’s contributions, Pennsylvania has positioned itself as a national leader in addressing the critical issues affecting aging communities. His appointment to ADvancing States will further facilitate collaboration across state systems to improve long-term care services for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
“Secretary Kavulich is a remarkable leader in the field of aging and has a deep commitment to addressing elder abuse,” said Martha Roherty, executive director of ADvancing States. “As a board member for ADvancing States and a strategic advisor to the National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment, Jason is in a unique position to help our members raise awareness of and respond to elder mistreatment.”
Kristin Lees Haggerty, Ph.D., project director for the National Collaboratory, emphasized the importance of Kavulich’s expertise, stating, “We are honored to have Secretary Kavulich’s and Pennsylvania’s perspective and expertise on our advisory board as we work to mainstream elder mistreatment response as a vital component of care for older adults.”
A Broader Vision
Through his national advisory roles, Secretary Kavulich brings attention to issues crucial for an aging population, such as integrating elder mistreatment prevention into mainstream care and ensuring accessibility to quality services. These efforts reflect Pennsylvania’s broader mission to create a robust system that not only protects but empowers its older citizens.
Looking Ahead
Kavulich’s involvement highlights Pennsylvania’s effort to advance the health, safety, and dignity of its aging population. With the state’s initiatives and his contributions at the national level, Pennsylvania is paving the way for stronger policies and meaningful care systems.
As the aging population increases nationwide, these efforts will serve as a benchmark for other states seeking to address the challenges and opportunities that come with an evolving demographic landscape. The collaboration between Pennsylvania, ADvancing States, and the National Collaboratory signifies a unified dedication to safeguarding the well-being of older adults while ensuring they lead fulfilling and secure lives.
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