AARP NAMES JIM SCHEIBEL MINNESOTA VOLUNTEER STATE PRESIDENT

ST.PAUL -- AARP Minnesota today announced the appointment of Jim Scheibel of St. Paul to the two-year position of State President – the highest state-level volunteer position within the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has more than 650,000 members statewide and nearly 40 million members nationwide. Scheibel, the former mayor of St. Paul, was appointed to the position by AARP Midwest Regional Volunteer Director Dean Clough,and will begin his role immediately.

“Jim truly embodies everything AARP is striving to achieve on a state and national level,” said AARP Minnesota State Director Will Phillips. “He understands the importance of empowering people age 50-plus to prepare themselves for what’s next in all phases of their lives. He also brings a lifetime of community building experience to AARP. We are thrilled and honored to have Jim on board to help lead our statewide efforts.”

As AARP Minnesota State President, Scheibel will work with AARP members, volunteers, staff, legislators, and state residents on key issues facing the 50-plus population and all Minnesotans, such as building a strong financial future for individuals, maintaining access to reliable health care and coping with the demands of caregiving and aging.

“Being State President gives me the opportunity to continue my career of working to ensure all voices are heard by policy and decision makers,” said Scheibel. “Along with the Minnesota State Director, staff and other volunteers, I am looking forward to engaging members throughout the state to advocate for a better quality of life.  Together we can create our communities and address our most pressing issues.”

Jim Scheibel currently serves as Honorary Professor of Practice at Hamline University in St. Paul. During his career he has served as a community organizer, City Councilmember, Mayor, Director of VISTA and the Senior Corps, and Executive Director of nonprofits. Scheibel has previous served as Interim State President for AARP Minnesota and was a member of the AARP Minnesota Executive Council.

Since President Johnson launched the War on Poverty in 1964, Jim has been active working to end poverty. As an elected official he was a national leader on hunger and homelessness, and immigrant and refugee issues. He has advocated for policy initiatives and changes.

“Jim is committed to being a strong and capable voice for carrying out AARP’s mission, which is to make life better for all Minnesotans as they age,” Phillips said.