Why do you want to serve on the BSA Board of Directors?
As President of the BSA Board for the past two years, I am fully committed to our mission to actively empower seniors, foster their health and independence, and enrich their lives in unexpected ways through programs that boost energy, promote healthy living, breathing, heart and soul of Bisbee. Together, we’re the hands that built this town, the hearts that have loved it, and the wisdom that continues to guide it forward. Each has a unique perspective on Bisbee and I want to capture those stories and share them with our community so we can build an awe-inspiring legacy that will impassion us today and invigorate us and those who follow us for generations to come.
As current Board President and former Treasurer, I’ve helped guide the BSA through significant transformation since 2021. I’ve used my 36 years of business, technology, financial, and corporate communications experience to help move the Association into the future.
During my tenure as President, we’ve achieved remarkable growth–expanding from a low of only 35 members Post-COVID, to a bustling hub of over 220 members today. My contributions include simplifying our financial procedures and increasing fiscal transparency, authoring over a dozen grant applications to fund innovative projects, collaborating with the major infrastructure improvements including solar panel installation and kitchen certification. I’ve focused on both spaces like our new Members Hangout, our new craft room, and conference rooms.
Looking ahead, I bring not only proven communication and fiscal management skills, but also a vision for innovation and sustainable growth. I’m committed to building on our momentum through creative problem-solving and strategic partnerships that will further strengthen BSA’s rule as a vibrant hub for our senior community.
What do you want to Accomplish?
Simply stated, I want the Bisbee Senior Center to be the Best Senior Center in the USA. I feel strongly that we can make that happen by:
- Continuing to collaborate with the City of Bisbee to mindfully utilize the $500,000 Arizona block grant we’ve been awarded to upgrade our building and ensure we have a safe, secure, welcoming home for the future.
- Developing a renewable revenue source that will provide us with an annual operations budget of at least $50,000 so we can pay administrative salaries, hire a professional kitchen manager, and continue to expand our life-changing programs.
- Enhancing our new Storytellers Program by adding at least four new “My Bisbee” videos every month and featuring a community story night every quarter.
- Pursuing funding and support to build an Aquatic Fitness Center and to utilize our entire 2-acre property as a Wellness Oasis for our community.
- Extending our services beyond our current 230 members to include the 2,864 Bisbee/Naco seniors who haven’t yet found their way to our doors so that we can eliminate social isolation, defeat loneliness, end food scarcity, and ensure that no senior is left behind
Civic And Volunteer Experience:
In the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Executive Director, Carol Loy, and to act as ambassadors building the Senior Center’s positive community image and forming strong alliances with more than 25 local businesses and non-profit organizations.
We also sponsored quarterly American Red Cross Blood drives collecting over 500 units of blood and facilitated AARP tax preparation for over 400 participants. Together, we’ve ensured that the center offers a free medical equipment lending program, an onsite thrift store, fresh produce for seniors, & free meeting space for local non-profits.
Example of a new idea to raise money, increase membership or help the center grow
As a verified Arizona Community-based Organization, we’ve been offered the opportunity to participate in a statewide referral system that will be used to address social determinants of health needs We can earn up to $17,000 in incentives that we can use any way we choose just by installing the necessary software and meeting a few basic milestones. This will also enable us to give our members and Bisbee residents referrals to health care organizations, housing services, counseling, child protection, and legal services offered by participating agencies. This is a risk-free opportunity, and we would be foolish not to participate.
The Bisbee Senior Center stands at a pivotal moment in its history. With our growing membership, expanding programs, and transformative initiatives underway, we have an unprecedented opportunity to create a legacy that will serve generations to come. My experience leading BSA through its recent renaissance, combined with my unwavering commitment to our seniors’ wellbeing, positions me to help guide our organization toward an even brighter future. Together, we can build more than just a senior center–we can create a beacon of hope, health, and community that will shine as an example for senior centers across Arizona and beyond. I ask for your support in continuing this vital journey of transformation, ensuring that every Bisbee senior has access to the vibrant, supportive community they deserve.
