About Us: History

Mary Brinkley, OKAHSA Executive Director

In October, 1994, a group of individuals dedicated to furthering the awareness and promoting the interests of not-for-profit providers of aging services drafted bylaws to establish the Oklahoma Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the state affiliate of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. AAHSA is comprised of nearly 6,000 members nationwide, representing the full continuum of aging services, from independent housing to nursing facilities.

Mary Brinkley was hired as Executive Director in October 1995, in order to provide greater member services through educational seminars, public policy updates, and increased exposure of the important role of the not-for-profit provider.

Over the course of the past thirteen years, the Oklahoma Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (OKAHSA) has been very well-received and has experienced remarkable growth. As our membership continues to grow, we realize the definite purpose for OKAHSA’s existence. Through the work of OKAHSA, we strive to increase the quality of care and accountability of providers so the elderly population will be better served.