April 05, 2006

Governor names advocate for Kansans in long-term care facilities
Gilbert Cruz named Acting Long-Term Care Ombudsman

As part of her commitment to residents of long-term care facilities and Kansas seniors, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed Gilbert Cruz, to serve as Acting State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of long-term care facilities across the state, and oversees the efforts of volunteer long-term ombudsmen.

“Gilbert has experience working with Kansas seniors and their families through his work in long-term care and assisted living facilities,” Governor Sebelius said. “It’s essential Kansans have someone like Gilbert they can count on, someone who is on their side.”

Cruz, Garden City, has eight years of experience as a long-term care facility administrator. Currently, he is the administrator of Terrace Gardens Care Center, a 60-bed skilled nursing facility specializing in long-term care.

Since 2003, he has been the president and chief executive officer of Cruz Enterprises L.L.C., a health consulting and property management company. In addition, Cruz has been executive director at Homestead Assisted Living and administrator at Richmond Care Center. He is co-owner of Fiesta Courtyard L.L.C. in Garden City.

Currently, Cruz is the vice-chair member of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a Kansas Health Care Association independent owners representative, was co-founder of the Indigent Transportation Program for Community Health Coalition, and founded the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations and Professionals.

Cruz received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center in respiratory therapy. In 1998, he received his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.