Senior News August, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 8

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Kathleen Kistler has learned to wait and hear her inner voice

Sign up for the Over-60 Program at HSU

Nero burned while Rome fiddled

Sandi Fitzpatrick to head California Commission on Aging

Berg to unveil an aging master plan

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AAA director moves to state office
Sandi Fitzpatrick to head California Commission on Aging

The board of the Area 1 Agency on Aging (AAA) announced that Sandi Fitzpatrick, executive director, has accepted a new position as executive director of the California Commission on Aging (CCOA) in Sacramento.

The CCOA is composed of 25 commissioners appointed by the governor and state legislature. The commission was created by state law for the purpose of advising the governor, state legislature and state departments and agencies on senior related issues. They also serve as the advisory body to the California Department of Aging and are considered the principal advocate in California on behalf of the state's more than four million seniors. Additionally, the commission also has administrative responsibility for the Triple A Council of California (TACC) and the California Senior Legislature (CSL).

Fitzpatrick has worked at the Area Agency since 1985 serving in a variety of capacities. Since 1999 she has been the executive director. "This is indeed an honor for Sandi," said Jim Davis, AAA board president. "I believe that Sandi's appointment to this senior level job reflects not only on her reputation, but also the excellent reputation that our agency has within the state. Along with our congratulations, we all recognize how much we will miss her enthusiasm, knowledge and leadership."

In addition to serving as AAA executive director, Fitzpatrick has worked as a consultant in evaluating community based senior services and is a requested speaker at national conferences on issues unique to serving rural elders. She has been a member of numerous statewide task forces and advisory committees, most recently as a member of Assemblywoman Patty Berg's California Strategic Plan on Aging Advisory Committee. Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Executive Committee for the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

In announcing the new hire, Nancy Dolton, chair of the CCOA, said "The commission is pleased to be working with Sandi during this challenging time. Her local experience in administering programs will be relevant to the commission as we continue our advocacy to improve aging and long-term care services in California."

Fitzpatrick added "I am eagerly looking forward to working with the CCOA. With the potential for a re-design of elder services and the need to plan for the baby boomers, I hope to work with the commission to ensure that the aging network is responsive to the needs of older Californians and their families."

Fitzpatrick will start her new position on August 23.

The AAA board has selected Donna Chambers to serve as interim executive director. Chambers has worked at the Area Agency since 1998 and currently serves as the agency's director of contract services.