Health care's role in the “Aging Our Way, PA” plan

Secretary of Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Secretary Jason Kavulich brings 24 years of experience in the human services field to the mission of serving and advocating for Pennsylvania’s 3.4 million older adults age 60 and over. Progressing from a county caseworker through supervisor and administrator positions within the Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services, he was appointed Director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging in 2016. In 2021, his efforts to assist older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were honored by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Later in 2021, he spearheaded a coalition of non-profit, business, and education leaders to bring the new federal Elderly Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) program to Lackawanna County—the first northeastern Pennsylvania county to do so. In 2022, under Jason’s leadership, Lackawanna County became an early adopter of the Department of Aging’s Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) program.

President, UPMC for You and State Programs

Brendan Harris’ lifelong interest in politics and public policy has led to a wide range of experience in health care, administrative policymaking, and oversight. Prior to joining UPMC, Harris served as part of the Department of Human Services (DHS) executive team for over a decade—a department that serves more than 3 million Pennsylvanians, operates with a $39 billion budget, and has over 16,000 employees. As the Vice President for UPMC Community HealthChoices, Brendan led UPMC’s efforts to provide long-term services and supports for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with physical disabilities. He currently serves as President of UPMC for You and State Programs.