Letter from the President
jennie chin hansen
AARP President, 2008-2010
2009 was a year of
transition for millions of
AARP members, given
the turbulent economy,
concerns about health
care and the desire of
many 50+ individuals
to forge new paths
for themselves and
future generations. This
personal reinvention
often involved serving
others by tapping
into the wide range of
opportunities AARP made
available.
Transition was the theme for AARP as an
organization, too. We bid farewell to Chief
Executive Officer Bill Novelli, who guided
AARP through eight years of growth,
development and challenge. We could not
have had a better executive to put us on a
solid course for the future.
In April, we welcomed our new CEO,
Addison Barry Rand. Having cared for his
father during the last eight years of his life,
Barry is passionate about AARP’s health care
and economic security priorities. As a former
Fortune 500 executive with experience in
guiding expansive organizations, Barry
also possesses in abundance the other
qualities we sought in a leader: integrity,
thoughtfulness, dedication and the people
skills to guide AARP’s talented staff and
dedicated volunteers.
2009 also marked my last full year as
AARP’s first boomer president. I have been
impressed by the spirited and significant
contributions that AARP members provide in
so many ways. For my part, it was a privilege
to apply decades of professional nursing
experience to solving complex problems,
such as by describing how organizing
supportive community services can enable
people to remain at home in their later years.
My personal journeys as a caregiver daughter,
wife and mother fostered memorable
interactions with AARP members, volunteers
and others whom I met.
AARP and its compelling mission,
history and traditions will always be an
important part of who I am. All of us on
AARP’s volunteer Board of Directors have
been humbled and inspired by so many
opportunities to help create a better society
for all.
