PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) is excited to welcome a new member to its Board of Trustees, who will bring fresh insight and dedication.

Carla Farmer is joining us from Fort Scott, Kan. with a wealth of experience working with nonprofit organizations – an area she’s been drawn to throughout her life. She has spent more than 30 years in healthcare and women’s higher education in fund development.

“The chance to serve on the PMMA® board presents an exciting opportunity to match my skill set and experience with the vision of PMMA,” Carla says. “I’m excited to be a part of an organization whose roots are founded in Christian values. That clearly continues to drive PMMA’s vision today.”

PMMA’s board of trustees is comprised of volunteer business and community leaders. Their primary responsibility is governance over the PMMA organization. They provide input, approve policies and help with fundraising.

“I hope the residents and families will feel the impact of my service on the PMMA Board through the fund development and marketing skills I developed over my professional career,” said Carla.

Even though they come from different backgrounds and professional experiences, many of the board members have personal or family experiences with senior living. Carla became the primary caregiver for a friend of many years in 2023. They tried independent living and another senior care organization, before they visited Fort Scott Presbyterian Village.

“Immediately I realized we were not alone on this journey but rather surrounded by a family of dedicated and professional caregivers,” she says. “What a blessing everyone at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village were to both of us!”

Carla’s interest in senior living began as a child when her father, who worked for the Frisco Railroad, would visit her grandmother after work each day, first in her home, then in a converted house designed to serve as senior living housing.

“I intentionally use the word ‘housing’ as a bed and meals were provided, but not the broad range of amenities available today,” she recalls. “Over the years, I witnessed the evolution of care for older adults by organizations like PMMA. I pledge to continue that vision!”

PMMA President and CEO Bruce Shogren believes Carla will be a strong partner as the organization moves forward with its vision and builds on its mission to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values..

“Carla’s nonprofit experience will be instrumental as we continue to create new ways to live out our mission,” said Shogren. “She has a heart for service and an insight and expertise for the needs of seniors. In addition, she brings a wealth of experience in fund development. I’m confident she will have a lasting impact on our organization.”

Carla already believes PMMA is making a difference in the lives of residents and their families.

“When you walk into a PMMA community, you can see that difference in the smiles on residents’ faces, their urgency to get to exercise class or the morning coffee group,” she says. “Lest I forget, how about watching Sunday afternoon football games together decked out in Chiefs attire! There’s purpose to the life of our residents and PMMA allows them to live life to the fullest on their terms.”

Welcome Carla Farmer – we can’t wait to see all that we’ll accomplish together.

Click here to learn more about the board, our senior leadership, and PMMA’s approach and culture.