30 Kawana Springs Rd., Santa Rosa 95404; 707-525-0143; councilonaging.com
Age: 55
Residence: Cloverdale for the past 26 years
Professional background: Boys & Girls Club of Cloverdale, Executive Director, 1992--2001; United Way of Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake, Vice President of Resource Development, 2001-2005; Council on Aging, Development Director, 2005--2009, President and CEO, 2009--present
Education: Attended University of San Francisco and Sonoma State University
Staff size: 65
Describe your organization.
Council on Aging has been helping Sonoma County seniors and their families deal with the challenges of aging. We receive over 30,000 calls and hits to the website each year from individuals looking for information and resources. Our mission to enhance the quality of life for Sonoma County’s aging community by providing services that promote well-being and maintain independence is achieved through sixteen programs and services including; Meals on Wheels, Dining Sites, Stage, Daily Money Management, Conservatorship & Trust Services, Adult Day, Elder Abuse Advocacy, Case Management, Senior Care Coordination, Peer Support, Healthy Ideas, Legal Services, Lawyer Referral, Estate Planning and Senior Games.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A fifth-generation Sonoma County resident, I was born and raised in Petaluma and gradually moved north to Cloverdale. Married for 31 years, I have two grown children, a son and a daughter in Southern California and a two year old granddaughter.
October marks my 20th year working in the nonprofit field. I am extremely blessed to have a career that is so consistent with my value system.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Being chosen from a field of over 200 candidates and given the opportunity to lead Council on Aging.
What is your biggest challenge today?
Patience. Moving forward with our organizational goals as quickly as I would like, is often not possible due to factors beyond our control.
What the next major project either under way or on the horizon?
The full implementation and marketing campaign of Stage, our choice meal product .
What product or service would/or is helping you do your job more effectively?
In our pursuit of organizational excellence, we continue our transition to paperless with Docuware. Although we are still learning the capabilities of the software, we our definitely realizing efficiencies in the departments who are utilizing it.
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?
I believe there will be fewer nonprofits and that we will see mergers of similar organizations to reduce duplication of services and administrative expenses.
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: I have had the privilege of working with many businessmen and women who I admire greatly, especially in my role at United Way and witnessing firsthand the commitment that so many local leaders have to this community. Today, I would have to say TeeJay Lowe from G & G Markets. A few years back, I met with TeeJay and asked him if he would consider providing his customers the opportunity to contribute to Meals on Wheels at the checkout line. Although G & G supported the community in other ways he was clear that he wanted to provide value for his customers, not take more money from them. Fast forward to 2012 and the introduction of Council on Aging’s grab n’ go meals “Stage,” which supports our Meals on Wheels program. TeeJay immediately stepped up and offered to sell these prepackaged meals at G & G. He recognized the win-win. This was an opportunity to provide value to his customers and in doing so, support Meals on Wheels.
Current reading: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
Most want to meet: Again – depends when you ask the question. Today, Jane Fonda. I just saw a video of her speak on the “Third Act” of life and the Longevity Revolution, and she was fabulous.
Stress relievers: Deep breathing. I can honestly say I do remember to do that. Others include meditation, yoga, and laughing as much as possible.
Favorite hobbies: Cooking, reading and travel
Words that best describe you: Transparent, results-driven, big picture
Is there something we didn’t ask that you would like to add?
The recognition belongs to the entire staff and board at Council on Aging because we succeed only as a team.
