Never Too Late November/December 2024

Aging in Our Community A Message from W. Mark Clark, President and CEO

Announcing My Retirement: A Fond Farewell and Gratitude for a Decade of Service Dear PCOA Community,

The resilience and creativity of our team allowed us to provide essential support, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. This experience underscored the importance of our mission and our role in the community. As I prepare for this next chapter, I’m confident in PCOA’s future. Our Board of Directors is working diligently to select a new CEO who will bring fresh perspectives and continue advancing our mission. This transition offers exciting opportunities for growth and innovation, and I am eager to see how PCOA evolves under new leadership. I want to express my deepest thanks to our incredible staff. Your commitment and unwavering dedication have driven our success. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and compassionate team. To our volunteers, thank you for your generosity and selflessness. Your contributions have enriched countless lives and have been a cornerstone of our organization’s impact. To our community partners, your collaboration and support have been invaluable. Together, we’ve built a network of resources that truly make a difference, and I am deeply grateful for your partnership. Lastly, to the older adults we serve, thank you for inspiring me every day. Your strength, wisdom, and resilience are a testament to the vital role older adults play in our community. It has been an honor to serve you, and I am proud of all we have accomplished together.

As we approach the end of the year, I want to emphasize the importance of your continued support for PCOA. Your donations have always been the backbone of our ability to provide essential services and programs. This year, your unrestricted contributions are more critical than ever. They enable us to respond to immediate needs, support ongoing programs, and invest in innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for older adults. During this season of giving, I invite you to reflect on the impact PCOA has had on your life and the lives of those around you. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in sustaining our work and ensuring a brighter future for our community. Though I will miss the day-to-day interactions, I look forward to staying connected with PCOA and supporting its mission in new ways. I am excited to see the continued growth and success of the organization. Thank you for this incredible journey and for allowing me to be a part of something truly special. Together, we’ve built a strong foundation, and I am confident the future holds even greater promise for PCOA. With deep gratitude,

It is with a mix of excitement and nostalgia that I announce my decision to retire as President and CEO of Pima Council on Aging. I will remain in my role until a new leader is selected and the transition is complete. As I prepare to step down, I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past decade. Serving as your CEO has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that makes such a profound impact on the lives of older adults in our community. When I first joined PCOA, I was inspired by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners. Over the years, this inspiration has only grown as I’ve witnessed the tireless efforts of our team to advocate for and support older adults. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and continually strived to enhance the services and programs we offer. Reflecting on our accomplishments, I am particularly proud of our core programs and new innovations that have brought national attention to PCOA, such as our Dementia Capable of Southern AZ initiative and the creation of SW Community Care Partners – a hub of leaders serving older adults in Pima County. We’ve made significant strides in ensuring that our community members can age with dignity and independence. One of our greatest achievements was adapting our services during the COVID-19 pandemic and launching the Take Your Shot campaign, which helped spread the critical message of vaccination.

W. Mark Clark President and CEO Pima Council on Aging (PCOA)

November/December 2024, Never Too Late | Page 3

Pima Council on Aging

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