Former CEO A. Barry Rand: 'Committed Advocate for Our Members'

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of A. Barry Rand, AARP’s CEO from 2009 to 2014.

After a 30-year career at Xerox, Barry brought to AARP his extensive leadership and management experience in transforming organizations and his expertise and skills in technology, customer relations and marketing to address opportunities and challenges facing AARP and its members.

When he arrived in 2009, Barry saw an opportunity for AARP to help people navigate a new and complex world characterized by constant, dramatic changes in technology and a growing, more diverse, multicultural 50-plus population with greater longevity.

Donate to the A. Barry Rand Fund for Brain Health Research.

Barry’s belief in the importance of access to affordable, quality health care and of financial security for older people and their families was central to our work supporting the Affordable Care Act and defending Medicare and Social Security. He had a remarkable presence, as comfortable in the company of the president and congressional leaders as he was with chatting with members across the country. 

I will remember Barry as an innovative thinker, a champion for multicultural engagement, and a committed advocate for our members, the greater 50-plus community and all generations. At this time, our thoughts are with Barry’s wife, Donna, and his family.

To commemorate Barry’s service as a committed advocate for older adults, we have established the A. Barry Rand Fund for Brain Health Research. This fund will support brain-health research efforts and help find solutions for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. Voluntary, tax-deductible contributions can be made online to the A. Barry Rand Fund for Brain Health Research or by mail c/o AARP Foundation, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049.