ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE TANNER-FOSTER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION - January 1, 2026 

The Tanner-Foster Educational Foundation and Kansas Adult Care Executives (KACE) are proud to announce that Melissa St. John has accepted the position of the first-ever Executive Director of the Tanner-Foster Educational Foundation.

Melissa’s selection marks a historic milestone for the Foundation. The Executive Director role was created to strengthen fundraising efforts, expand scholarship opportunities, and deepen the Foundation’s impact on professional development of licensed nursing home administrators and operators in Kansas.

For the past seven years, Melissa has played a central role in designing, improving, and elevating KACE’s professional development and education programs. Her leadership has directly supported the very professionals who benefit from the Foundation’s scholarships—including AIT students, licensed adult care administrators, operators, nurses, and executive leaders across our state.

As Executive Director for the Foundation, Melissa will serve as the Foundation’s lead fundraiser, strategist, and relationship-builder, guiding efforts to:

• Increase awareness of Foundation goals
• Expand scholarships funding for AIT students, Operator students, and funding for KACE continuing education events
• Increase donor and partner engagement
• Support long-term growth of KACE education and training programs

Her unique blend of regulatory knowledge, adult care home experience, program development, and statewide relationships makes her exceptionally well-positioned to create more awareness and to grow the Foundation.

I would like to thank the Tanner-Foster and KACE Board of Directors for strengthening both the Foundation and KACE by creating a dedicated position to oversee Foundation activity and growth.

Bill Tofflemire 

President - Kansas Adult Care Executives  

From Tanner-Foster Board Chairperson, Becky Burke:

The Tanner Foster Foundation is honored to have Melissa St. John as its first Executive Director. Melissa brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the senior living field. We are pleased that she will continue to help develop future senior living leaders. We look forward to seeing Tanner Foster grow with Melissa as the Executive Director.  Welcome, Melissa!

From KACE Board Chairman, Dan Chik

As Chairman of the Board, it is truly a pleasure to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Melissa St. John on her appointment as the first-ever Executive Director of the Tanner-Foster Educational Foundation. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand Melissa’s passion for this profession and her unwavering commitment to supporting those who serve Kansas’s adult care communities. This milestone is not only a testament to Melissa’s talents and integrity, but also to the vision of the KACE and Tanner-Foster Boards of Directors in creating a role that will expand scholarships, deepen partnerships, and ensure long-term growth. I am excited to work alongside Melissa as she helps shape an even stronger future for the Foundation and the professionals it serves.