AARP Florida Names Orlando Community Leader To Key Volunteer Role

St. Petersburg, Fla. - AARP Florida State President Donna Ginn of Miami has appointed an Orlando community leader, Jerome T. Williams, to a team of AARP Florida volunteer leaders. The AARP Florida Executive Council is a team of volunteers from across the state that exemplifies leadership that supports the execution of AARP priorities statewide.

“Jerome brings a wealth of experience to the Executive Council.” Ginn said. “He has worked closely with the Orlando team on our Livable Communities’ initiative and in the area of outreach.  We welcome him and look forward to his input.”

Williams said he embraces opportunities to speak up for others and is in tune with the human-rights issues that affect the 50-plus community in the Orlando area. Williams has been involved in public service for the past 35 years. He served in the U.S. Army for eight years, before returning home to become a caregiver for his parents. He soon became a board member of the Callahan Neighborhood Association. After serving on the association for four years, Jerome was named as the Callahan Neighborhood Association’s first executive director-organizer. His first plan of action was creating a Holden-Callahan Neighborhood Plan with the City of Orlando. After five years, all streets in his neighborhood were paved, new street drainage was installed, compatible zoning was approved, and for the first time in 50 years, new housing was being built. Jerome retired from Orange County Public Schools in 2010, and became an AARP advocate where he found an interest in the Livable Community movement and became a part of the ITN Orlando board to help improve elder transportation.

Williams is hoping to create a unified strategy with the council to replicate consistent success for AARP. “I am excited. I’m optimistic that I can bring positivity, input, and action that can address the issues.” Williams said.

Other AARP Executive Council members include Fred Bates of Sanford, Charlie Benz of Tallahassee, Steve Rome of Pensacola, Carol Smith of Coral Springs, Monica Stynchula of St. Petersburg, and William Ternent of Ormond Beach. AARP Florida Executive Council members work with staff and volunteers to provide direction for programs within the state to support AARP’s priority issues. Executive Council terms last for two years, and members can be reappointed twice. For more information, visit AARP.org/fl .