OUR STAFF

Karen Barno - President and CEO
In 1998, Karen left the provider side of the assisted living industry
to serve as the President and guiding force of Arizona ALFA. Today Arizona ALFA is the state's largest assisted living association.   

In response to the growing need for quality assisted living alternatives, Karen attended the first planning meeting in the month of June, 1996 in Peoria, Arizona, and was committed to the cause from that point forward! She set her sights on supporting the industry's positive growth. Karen was a founding member and leader in the development of the Arizona chapter of the Assisted Living Federation of America (Arizona ALFA). Supported by an active and visionary Board of Directors, Karen has been able to blaze new trails for Arizona's assisted living industry. She has taught university classes, spoken at health care events across the country, been named to various legislative task forces and committees and is a member of various Board of Directors.

Mrs. Barno provides leadership, advocates on behalf of, and lobbies for assisted living on both the state and national level. Karen believes in the power of presenting "one voice" for the issues affecting assisted living providers. Her mission is to protect the industry from onerous and obsessive regulations, focusing on the respect and dignity of seniors in assisted living.



Crystal Keenan -Deputy Director
Crystal began her employment with Arizona ALFA in November of 2006, after serving as an AL Manager in the industry since 2002 for assisted living homes and a CCRC. Coming from the provider side of the industry, Crystal understands the challenges as well as the joys that come with caring for our seniors. Prior to her work in Arizona's assisted living industry, Crystal lived in her hometown of Bridgeton, MO.  Working in the healthcare field with 400+ physicians, Crystal's specialty was Health Information Management, securing the accuracy and confidentiality of every patient's health information for SSM DePaul, the first hospital west of the Mississippi.  Once in the healthcare industry, Crystal's desire and passion to serve our aging population began as she witnessed first-hand her own family's struggles with her aging grandparents.

As the Deputy Director for Arizona ALFA, her role is to support assisted living providers and Industry Partners with the development and implementation of Arizona ALFA's industry leading educational trainings and annual conferences, as well as provide assistance to consumer's in need of assisted living housing.