TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard today announced that Kimberly Reynolds has been appointed Commissioner of Aging Services, effective September 29, 2025. Reynolds succeeds David Anderson, who retired at the end of August.

 Reynolds brings more than 30 years of experience in aging, behavioral health, and public service at the state, federal, higher education, and nonprofit levels. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in gerontology as well as a master’s in public administration.

“Kim’s strong combination of expertise and vision with experience in both aging and behavioral health, paired with proven leadership in state and federal service, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead this commission,” Secretary Howard said. “She understands the challenges older Kansans face and is committed to advancing policies and programs that improve their quality of life.”

Her career began as a service provider at a community mental health center in Oklahoma, working with older adults with serious mental illness, before moving into dementia care leadership within a nursing facility. In Kansas, Reynolds held key positions with the former Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, overseeing aging, housing, and homeless programs, and later supervising licensing of Medicaid HCBS waiver and behavioral health service providers. She has also directed aging and behavioral health research and training initiatives at the University of Kansas.

Reynolds previously served at KDADS as the Single State Authority for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. Most recently, she worked at the federal level with the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), where she was an Assistant Regional Director, then went on to serve as National Subject Matter Expert for mental health and aging/disability, and Coordinator of the Center for Mental Health Services training and technical assistance programs.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve in this role,” Reynolds said. “I look forward to collaborating with KDADS’ many partners to continue the great work being done to support older Kansans and their families.”