After 32 remarkable years of advocacy, Sherry Culp has announced her plans to retire on May 1.
Since 1994, Sherry has worked to improve the quality of life for Kentucky’s long-term care residents. Over the last 3 decades, her knowledge, steady leadership, and mentorship have been the bedrock of Kentucky’s ombudsman program. While we are incredibly happy to see her trade advocacy for adventure, investigations for idleness, and resolutions for relaxation, her presence will be sorely missed.
Sherry’s last day of work will be April 30, 2026. Share your favorite memory, or send a note of appreciation, to the NHOA office at 3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110, Lexington, KY 40517.
To celebrate Sherry’s incredible 32-year career and unwavering commitment to Kentucky’s long-term care residents, we invite you to make a tribute gift in her honor. Your contribution will directly support ombudsman services in Kentucky, ensuring that Sherry’s legacy of service continues to grow.
Sherry got her start as a student volunteer in 1994, where she worked for NHOA’s previous Executive Director and Bluegrass District Ombudsman, Kathy Gannoe. Sherry was earning her bachelor’s degree in social work and loved the program as soon as she started.
After Sherry graduated with her BSW in 1996, she married and returned to UK to earn her master’s degree in social work. That summer, Sherry was told that the entomology program, which had been where she was working, lost the grant that paid her wages. She walked down Nicholasville Road to the Senior Center and talked with Kathy, who jumped at the opportunity to hire Sherry as a Facility Ombudsman.
After graduating with her MSW, Sherry spent 2 years as a Geriatric Social Worker with the Lexington Fayette County Urban Government. Although she wasn’t working for NHOA, she was working in the Senior Center, just feet away from Kathy!
In 1999, Sherry moved back into the NHOA office as the Director of Programs and Services. Sherry became known in 2004 for her work with Bluegrass Rape Crisis (now the Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass) to create the first ever curriculum meant to educate long-term care facility staff about sexual violence in nursing homes. She shared the curriculum in facilities across the Commonwealth and conferences across the country.
The Executive Director of NHOA, Kathy Gannoe, identified Sherry as her successor when she retired in 2009. Sherry was promoted to the position of Executive Director and Bluegrass District Ombudsman.
Just 5 years later, when the State Ombudsman moved into another role, the Commissioner of the Department of Aging & Independent Living approached Sherry and suggested she apply for the job. Instead, Sherry met with NHOA’s Chair of the Board of Directors, the late Peter Brown, and they developed a proposal. DAIL accepted, and Sherry became the Kentucky State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in September 2014!
Over the last 11 years, Sherry has led the KSLTCO through new Ombudsman regulations, a global pandemic, and securing additional state funds to support the program. Her mentorship, leadership, and incredible depth of knowledge have been the bedrock of Kentucky’s Ombudsman Program.
Sherry’s last day of work will be April 30, 2026.
