Staff Team

Working together, we seek nothing short of deep transformation in how the individual leaders, organizations and systems responsible for shaping Minnesota's experience of aging work collaboratively to create change.

Executive Director

Adam Suomala

(he/him)


The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging Board of Directors named Adam Suomala the President and Executive Director in April 2020.


Adam came to the role with a deep respect for the Council's work, having served 20 years at member LeadingAge Minnesota - most recently as Vice President of Membership and Strategic Affiliations - and as a past President of member Minnesota Gerontological Society.


From his work in the halls of the State Capitol on aging policy or in communities across the state coordinating grassroots advocacy, to his thought leadership on workforce solutions or person-directed services, Suomala has been dedicated to the field of aging since 2000.


In his role, Adam leads the collaborative in its strategic priorities and is responsible for managing all critical business functions, staff, grants and contracts for the non-profit organization. He also serves as Convener of the Finish Strong Funders Network for Aging Services and staff to the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition.


Suomala holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. 

Director of Equity 
and Engagement

Chao Yang

(she/her)


Chao joined the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging team as Director of Equity in December 2022.


A first-generation Hmong American Woman, Yang has a strong commitment to the aging sector and a passion for the engagement of cultural communities. She has a proven track record of empowering people through collective efforts and leading change through research, policy and programming.


Chao brings a rich history of experience to the role, serving previously as an Asian Health Liaison for policymakers, supervisor of the Asian COVID-19 Response Team, Assistant Director for the University of Minnesota's Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Senior Public Health Educator for Ramsey County Public Health, and Community Health Coordinator at the University of Minnesota. She has also served in key roles at Nexus Community Partners, Minnesota Council of Foundations, and the YMCA.


In her role, Chao leads the overall development and implementation of strategic projects for the Leadership Council, with a focus on efforts to champion diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities in which to age.


Yang holds a BS in Human Resource Development/Business Marketing Education from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities as well as a Master's in Public Health (MPH) from their Executive Public Health Administration and Policy program.

Co-Convener, Finish Strong Funders Network for Aging

Kate Seng

(she/her)


Kate joined the staff team in April 2024 to serve as Co-Convener of the Finish Strong Funders Network. In this role, she provides support and technical assistance to Minnesota’s public and private funders of aging services and works to ensure vibrant communities in Minnesota support and recognize the assets and needs of older adults.


Kate is an experienced professional in the non-profit sector, with deep skills in strategy, program development, facilitation, grant review, and governance. She has held several leadership positions in philanthropy, including at the GHR Foundation, Arbor Philanthropy, Opus Philanthropy Group, and United Way, in addition to her own consulting practice.


Seng has a BA in Political Science from St. Catherine University and a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

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