Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors are dedicated to the advancement of member administrators. We believe our current and past experiences can enhance your administrative processes and we will continually work at providing you timely industry information and new ideas.

2007-2010
Mary Bergren, Dwight Miller, Mel Siegel, Terri Taylor, Roger Brannan
2008 - 2011
Carla Ewing, Chuck Hutson, Lester Robertson Jr, Kim Seaman, Rena Smith
2009 - 2012
David Conklin, Kaye Strauch, Sherry Gravenstein, Marianne Wiesen, Kathy Swan

DWIGHT L. MILLER Dwight has worked in Long-Term-Care for thirty six years. He has a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Soc/Psyc. He has served on numerous state wide advisory groups and committees. Currently he serves on the Innovative Care Grants Committee , Conversion Committee and Aging's Committee on Long-Term-Care. Prior to working in Long-Term-Care Dwight was employed by Decatur Mental Health Center, taught Jr-College Classes and worked as a Police Officer. Dwight and Ardella (wife) purchased Crawford County Convalescent center in his hometown of Robinson in 1985. They have a daughter who works for Solomon and Schecter in Chicago and a son who is an OSHA Compliance Officer. Telephone: 618-546-5638
Email: dmillercare@mchsi.com

LESTER E. ROBERTSON JR. Lester E. Robertson Jr. currently serves as the Administrator at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg, Illinois. He is a former owner of Robertson Healthcare, LLC which owned two nursing facilities. He is a licensed nursing home administrator with over 35 years of experience. Mr. Robertson has been a member of IHCA Board of Directors for over 15 years. He has served as the Non-Proprietary Vice President, Chairman of the IHCA Government Relations Committee, Chair of the IHCA Education Committee, Chairman of IHCA Peer Review Committee, and as Peoria Chapter President. He has served as a member of the Assisted Living Work Group, Chairman of the Regulatory Task Force, IHCA Representative to the Governor’s Long Term Care Facility Advisory Board. Telephone: 217-438-3361
Email: lesterrobertson1@yahoo.com

DAVID CONKLIN Graduate of Carroll College Bachelor of Science in Christian Education Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology Licensed Long-Term Care Administrator in 1970, the first year Illinois mandated licenses Experienced as an Administrator/Associate Administrator in Skilled, Intermediate and Sheltered Care Telephone: 815-877-8732&Email: conx13@comcast.net

Email: marybergren@hotmail.com

CARLA EWING Mercer County Health Department, Aledo, IL 61231  Graduate of Monmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Communication.  Ms. Ewing has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1993, with her most recent tenure as administrator of the Mercer County Nursing Home (1998-2009).  She currently serves as the administrator to the Mercer County Health Department.  On the state level, she is a member and serves on the Board of Directors for both INHAA and the County Nursing Home Association of Illinois.  Locally, she is a member of the Aledo Main Street and the Aledo Area Chamber of Commerce. Telephone: 309-582-3759
Email: cewing@idphnet.com

SHERRY M GRAVENSTEIN Retired from the Stephenson Nursing Center after serving as Administrator for 21 years, licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator and a registered nurse. Was a member of the County Nursing Home Association of Illinois, Board of Directors for 20 years and served as President from 1991 to 1994. She was named to the Governor’s Task Force on Health Care Reform, Long Term Committee from 1993 to 1994, appointed to the Illinois Nursing Home Administrator’s Licensing and Disciplinary Board in June of 1998 and is currently serving on the NCRS Board of NAB since April of 2007. She is presently on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Long Term Care Advisory Board since 2006. Camping and grandchildren will occupy her retirement years, plus the Board’s on which she continues to serve. Telephone: 815-297-9050
Email: sgravenstein@hotmail.com

CHUCK HUTSON Graduated Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 1977 Teacher's Certification 1978 Licensed Nursing Home Administrator since 1982 Administrator of Friendship Manor of St. Elmo since 2000 Past President INHAA Board of Directors Member Illinois Health Care Association Member and Past President Vandalia Rotary Club since 1987. Paul Harris Fellow.Married to wife Jo since 1980. Three grown daughters Telephone: 618-829-5581
Email: fmstelmo@yahoo.com

RENA SMITH I am a licensed nursing home administrator and a facility owner. My life's work tends to be geared toward long term care since I am the mother of 8 children and have 8 grandchildren. Living on a farm is an ever ending reminder that life is a cycle of beginnings and endings. My education is in Nursing Home Administration, Gerontology and Human Resources. I am a member of INHAA, Royal Neighbors, the Elks, the VFW, American Legion Aux., Southwest Indiana Bird Club, and Eagles. Telephone: 618-563-4806
Email: sugarcookie007@yahoo.com

KAYE STRAUCH I have been the administrator of Brandon Wood Retirement Center in Morton, IL since 1986.Brandon Wood is an independent living facility. I am active member of the Tazewell Country Triad board, Heart of Illinois Region of Continuity of Care board. I was the recipient of the SICCO Award from the State of IL Continuity of Care in June 2008. I reside in Washburn with my husband. I have 2 children and 1 grandson. Telephone: 309-263-7341
Email: kas@mtco.com

TERRI TAYLOR I am a licensed nursing home administrator currently working as an interim administrator and/or as a consultant. I am experienced in Federal and State Rules and Regulations and the survey process along with the Joint Commission process. My duties have include but not limited to; Staff Education and Support Services, Survey Preparedness and Joint Commission Preparedness, Interim Administrator, State Monitor and Medical Record Review and Office Support. When not working I enjoy photography, crafts and gardening. I am very active in my community and write for the local newspaper Telephone: 815-452-2032
Email: tntimages@mchsi.com

MARIANNE WIESEN Marianne has been a licensed Illinois Administrator since 1979, and has been licensured in Georgia, Missouri and Kansas as well as advance certifications in long term and subacute care with the American College of Health Care Administrators. Currently she serves as Knox County Housing Commissiner, Secretary/Treasure of the Galesburg Business Association, and Treasurer of the Stone Hayes center for independent living as well as Secretary of the County Nursing Home Association. Her facility was one of the recipicants of the Innovative Care Grants, written by her, for ADA compliant walking trails that addressed visual, sensory and strengthening skills for the elderly and handicapped of the Knox County Nursing Home and the community.

KIMBERLY SEAMAN Kim has been in Long Term Care for 18 plus years in various capacities. Kim started as a certified nurse's aide while attending St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1985 with her RN. Kim then took an ADON position and advanced to DON. Kim received her Administrator's license and became the Administrator for Heritage Manor in Minonk and has held this position for the last 6 years. Kim is working on her graduate degree and in December 2008 she will receive her Masters in Health Administration. Phone: 309-432-2557
Email: kseaman@heritageofcare.com

MELVIN SIEGEL Melvin has been a licensed Nursing Home Administrator since 1970. He is an owner, supervisor and administrator. Melvin is a director and legislative co-chairman, executive committee and member of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care. Melvin is married with 4 children, 32 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren. Phone: 847-679-0100
Email: emes613emes@yahoo.com

KATHY SWAN -  My involvement with the Illinois Knights Templar Home in Paxton, IL started in 1987 as a beauty operator and activity director. Since that time, I've had the greatest of learning opportunities including an apprenticeship and an administrator in training program in which I gained valuable "hands on" experience working in every department&eventually becoming a licensed nursing home administrator in 2002. From 12/01 to 01/04 I worked for a for profit long  term care company later returning to IKTH and the community in 2004.

ROGER BRANNAN - I have 19 years of long term care experience as both an administrator and regional director. In addition I have a total of 34 years of healthcare management experience. My education includes a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in health care administration from the College of St. Francis. My hobbies include fishing, hunting and travel. I have twin boys that are 29 years old, one of which lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. My other twin son completed his PhD and is a professor at the University of Pittsburg.

Finance – Carla Ewing, Chair + Roger Brannan + Marianne Wiesen Legislative - Dwight Miller&Mel Siegel, Co-Chair + Lester Robertson Membership – Rena Smith, Chair + Kaye Strauch + Kathy Swan+ Kim Seaman
By-Laws – Chuck Hutson, Chair + Lester Robertson
Nominating – Lester Robertson, Chair+ Carla Ewing + Kathy Swan
Program – Sherry Gravenstein, Chair + David Conklin, Kaye Strauch, Terri Taylor, Roger Brannan + Kim Seaman + Mary Bergren
Honorary Members - Chuck Hutson, Chair + Dwight Miller