MNRAAA Announces Khou Lor Board Chair for 2024

The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA) has announced a new chair for their board of directors, Khou Lor. Lor took over the Chair position on January 1, 2024. Lor takes over for Kandyce Peton, who served as Board Chair for the last year of her term. 

“Peton guided MNRAAA through numerous changes in 2023. Two long-term staff retired, significant changes in our operation dictated by the Minnesota Board on Aging, and numerous legislative changes in 2023. She leads with professionalism and pose.” stated Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director. “Peton has informed us that she will remain a volunteer with MNRAAA. Her knowledge of caring for older adults is valued personally and professionally.”

“I found the 5 years of experience with MNRAAA rewarding professionally and personally. Extending affordable healthcare for Minnesotasenior citizens is a passion of mine and should be a top priority for all Minnesotans.” said Peton. Peton was elected to the Board in 2019.

“Lor brings to the Board an eye on expanding the programming MNRAAA has ramped up after the pandemic”, commented Swanson. “Her enthusiasm for community building and collaboration mimics many of the projects we currently engage in.”

Lor enjoys the relationships and the people of Southwest Minnesota and is determined to do what it takes to invite, share, and create space for voices in the region. As a first-generation immigrant, Khou spent many of her younger years navigating systems and being the voice for her immigrant parents.

Lor works at the Southwest Initiative Foundation as a Rural Equity Specialist. Lor works to build and strengthen thearea’sunderserved population and organizations by defining strengths and challenges, building skills, and being a resource in our region.

A photographer in her free time, Khou appreciates visual art. She also likes spending time with family. Khou is a leader and organizer in the Hmong community in southwest Minnesota.

“I am ready and look forward to taking on this exciting role! As someone who values community and the people within, I look forward to working alongside the board of Directors and staff to grow this important and intentional work of supporting older adults in our region.” Lor stated.

The MNRAAA Board of Directors, which features professionals from the twenty-seven-county area, is a volunteer governing board. Members of the board range from a director of nursing services at an area hospital to a retired superintendent. For more information or interest, please visit our website at www.mnraaa.org. 

 

About the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

MNRAAA’s vision is to assist older adults to thrive. MNRAAA provides advocacy, information, resources, and assistance so that older adults in southwest Minnesota can maintain the lifestyle of their choice. Learn more about MNRAAA at www.mnraaa.org.