AARP's Chief Operating Officer Makes Sure We Have the Financial Strength to Serve You

What is your role at AARP?

My team and I are responsible for AARP's operations and finances. That includes managing real estate and facilities and making sure the technology it takes to operate a large organization works well.

What are you trying to achieve with your work at AARP?

To ensure AARP has the financial resources and support needed to achieve all of the organization's goals — namely, protecting and improving the lives of people 50 and older.

Describe a recent victory.

AARP's investment in upgrading our technology and ensuring everyone could stay connected proved invaluable during the COVID-19 crisis, when we transitioned to a fully virtual work environment. It allowed us to serve our members without missing a beat.

What makes you excited about aging in America?

Age no longer dictates what our lives look like as we grow older. Every day, I see countless examples of people of all ages living out their dreams and reinventing themselves.

What makes you angry about aging in America?

The false perception that older Americans are burdens to society, rather than contributors.

What are the most challenging battles that you and your team encounter?

Right now it is threading the needle between making sure we're doing everything we can to keep our workforce safe while also assuring that no part of our mission to serve the needs of Americans 50 and older gets neglected.

What values of our founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, inspire you the most?

Even though they're from over 60 years ago, the solutions Dr. Andrus devised remain innovative even by today's standards and, in many cases, are still relevant in 2021.

What should more people know about AARP?

While many think of us as an association for retired persons, about 4 in 10 of our members are still working.

What is your foremost short-term goal?

We need to stay nimble and adapt quickly during this pandemic. That means listening, learning and responding to our members’ needs. They're counting on us more than ever.