Ken Thomas Appointed as AARP Florida Volunteer State President 

A longtime community leader, Thomas brings record of service to all generations to new role.  

Kenneth “Ken” Thomas, 60, of Boca Raton is AARP Florida’s new volunteer state president, AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson announced today.

“On behalf of 2.8 million AARP members across Florida, we are delighted that Ken Thomas will serve as our volunteer state president and a leading voice for Floridians 50+,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP’s Florida state director.  “Ken’s experience and commitment to improving the lives of all Floridians will be important for our state.”

Thomas was appointed to the position by Wendy Brawley, AARP Southeast Regional Volunteer Director.

Thomas is a retired professional with 36 years in the field of aviation, his last position being the manager of the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Appointed to the AARP Florida Executive Council in 2013, Thomas has been a longtime volunteer, working as an advocate, speaker and Driver Safety Program trainer.  In 2013, he was named to the AARP Florida Executive Council, an all-volunteer group that advises the state director and other AARP leaders on issues important to Floridians 50+.  In 2014, he was appointed to the Volunteer Leadership Institute, a volunteer development initiative.  He also volunteers with Florida's Senior Medicare Patrol, helping to educate seniors on how to avoid becoming victims of Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse, as well as how to protect themselves against identity theft.

Thomas also has built a strong background as an advocate and volunteer working on behalf of children.  He serves as a community volunteer for the Guardian ad Litem Program and as the president of a non-profit, Speak Up For Kids of Palm Beach County, providing financial support to the Guardian Ad Litem program.

Thomas is a native of Williamsburg, Va.  He has been married to Delilah Stuart Thomas for 30+ years and will gladly talk about his five children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Johnson also thanked Doug Heinlen, AARP Florida’s outgoing state president, for six years of valued service on behalf of Floridians of all generations.  “AARP members throughout the state owe a debt to Doug Heinlen for his courageous advocacy on their behalf, his great ability to bring their concerns and hopes to leaders throughout the state and nation, and his strong commitment to Florida.  We wish him the best of all good fortune as he explores new opportunities for growth and service.”

 

With 2.8 million members in Florida, AARP is an ally for real possibilities for all Americans 50+.

About AARP:

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.