As the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature begins its 2026 session, Johnson County is prominently represented in statewide leadership.

Officer and executive board elections were held on July 30, 2025, resulting in three Johnson County residents being elected to officer positions. Katy Hoffman was elected president. Mary Penrose will serve as second vice president. Gary Scott was selected treasurer. The remaining officers include Sherri Grogan of Leavenworth County as first vice president and Donna Lehane of Sedgwick County as secretary.

Johnson County also has key roles within the executive board. Statewide leadership includes Speaker Leroy Burton (Butler County), Speaker Pro Tempore Chuck Schmidt (Sedgwick County), Floor Leader Jay Rowh (McPherson County) and Assistant Floor Leader Marvin Singleton (Johnson County).

Beyond elected offices, Johnson County legislators continue to contribute through committee leadership. Norm Kahn serves as chair of the Finance Committee while Mary Calhoun chairs the Nursing Scholarship Committee.

Hoffman’s election is especially notable, as she is the first woman elected president of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature since 2010.

“I believe we were elected as individuals who appear and accomplish but are also known as women who were the right choice. Seniors know to choose those who appear and accomplish,” Hoffman said, adding “Johnson County is well represented in emphasizing the benefit of strong local representation.

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is a unicameral body of 125 elected representatives, all of whom are 60 years of age or older. They serve their counties across the state. KSHL provides older Kansans with an opportunity to engage in the legislative process and advocate for issues important to aging adults.