Easthampton: David P. Stevens, the executive director for the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA), is pleased to announce Ms. Sullivan as Program Manager of the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative (DFMI). In her role as project manager, Ms. Sullivan, a resident of Brookline, will be responsible for building support, growth and advancement of local Dementia Friendly development; creating educational community engagement materials; and supporting the development of policy and practices to sustain DFMI.
DFMI is a statewide, grassroots movement comprised of organizations, individuals, and municipalities growing dementia friendly communities to become more inclusive and supportive of those living with dementia, their families, and care partners. DFMI is a member of Dementia Friendly America and is generously supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
Ms. Sullivan brings to her position extensive public policy experience as well as involvement with community-based elder services. She holds a Master’s in Gerontology/Aging Management Services from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
In Ms. Sullivan’s most recent positions, she was Operations Manager for the Arlington, (VA) Neighborhood Village, and served as a County Board Appointee for the Arlington (VA) County Commission on Aging where she took the lead and wrote the County’s application to join the WHO/AARP Age Friendly Network that was accepted and approved in 2017.
MCOA’s Executive Director, Stevens stated, “Patricia’s experience in public policy, project management, advocacy, and community-based elder membership organizations makes her ideal for the position. She understands the importance of promoting healthy, engaging, and successful aging for all. Her passion for working with older people impressed me, and she will be a terrific addition to the MCOA team. We anticipate more wonderful things to come for Massachusetts elders and those folks who care for them.”
MCOA partners with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, National Councils on Aging, Massachusetts Municipal Association, a variety of state agencies, other non-profits, and academic institutions, all seeking to improve the quality of lives of the Commonwealth’s 1.7 million older adults over the age of sixty.
About Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA)
MCOA is a non-profit membership organization serving the Commonwealth’s municipally-based Councils on Aging. Our mission is building strategic partnerships to educate, empower, and advocate for professionals who work with older adults. Our office is located at 116 Pleasant St., Suite 306, Easthampton, MA 01027. For more information about programs, events, and trainings visit MCOA’s website at www.mcoaonline.com, or subscribe to our free newsletter the Weekly Brief by contacting Lynn@mcoaonline.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Movement, please go to our website at: http://www.dfmassachusetts.org.
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