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AARP Idaho Appoints New State President

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AARP Idaho has appointed Tom Trail as state president – the highest state-level volunteer position within the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. AARP Idaho has more than 177,000 members statewide and more than 38 million members nationwide.

Dr. Trail, a Moscow resident, will lead the AARP Idaho volunteer executive council and work to achieve AARP’s vision, mission and strategic priorities in the state. He will also promote AARP Idaho's role in the Fraud Watch Network, a national effort designed to protect Americans from fraud and identity theft.

Dr. Trail, who is retired after serving 16 years as a Republican state representative in the Idaho Legislature, has been an AARP member for 24 years.  Prior to his public service, he spent 23 years at Washington State University working in the College of Agriculture as an Extension Training Specialist and in the Master of Adult Education Program. Dr. Trail finished his career at WSU in Malawi, Africa serving as head of the Malawi Agriculture Training Division. He received the USDA's Outstanding Overseas Educator award from Secretary of Agriculture, Clayton Yeutter, for his work in helping developing a national Malawi Extension Training program.

During his time in the Idaho Legislature, Representative Trail introduced and passed bi-partisan legislation that strengthened victim’s rights, improved the Idaho Public Retirement System, ensured minimum wage for farm workers and provided additional scholarships for Idaho’s youth. AARP Idaho State Director Mark Estess appointed him to the state president position.

“I’m delighted that Dr. Trail has agreed to lead the AARP Idaho executive council,” said Estess. “Through his diverse background and experiences, Tom has an inherent appreciation for the needs of Idahoans. This role is a natural extension of his previous work and he will do a phenomenal job in this capacity.”

“During my entire career, I served in positions committed to social concerns, education and public service. This appointment represents a culmination of that work,” said Trail. “It is both an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to lead AARP Idaho’s executive council. I look forward to engaging and energizing volunteers to carry out AARP’s vision, mission and strategic priorities in the state.”

Dr. Trail’s leadership experience also includes an active role in serving on the Boards of Community Action Programs, Stepping Stones, Northwest Disability, Latah Human Rights Commission, the Moscow Human Rights Commission, and the Gritman Medical Services General Board. He also maintains a role in serving for 40 years in the Moscow Rotary Club.

Dr. Trail graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. degree in Animal Science. In 1959, he received a M.A. degree in adult education from the University of Maryland. He returned to Montana State University in late 1965 and completed his doctorate in experimental psychology in 1966.

This appointment is effective immediately. Dr. Trail joins returning executive council members Fred Turner of Boise, Lynn Young of Meridian and new member Marjean Waford of Pocatello. Dr. Trail succeeds retired geriatric nurse Peggy Munson as AARP Idaho state president. Ms. Munson will remain active on the executive council.

“I have witnessed firsthand the positive difference people can make when they come together,” Dr. Trail concluded. “Through the years I have always been deeply involved in the community, working with others to make our common lives better. It was that sense of community service that brought me to AARP.”

About AARP Idaho
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