AARP Georgia Announces New State President

AARP Georgia is proud to announce the appointment of Carrie Jarrett Parham as its new State President, the state’s top volunteer post within the organization’s influential network of volunteers. As the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, AARP’s state presidents work in partnership with their respective state directors, staff, and volunteers to lead AARP’s important advocacy and programmatic work. AARP Georgia has approximately 1.4 million members and approximately 650 volunteers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carrie as AARP continues its important work to empower people 50 and older and advocate for what matters most to Georgians as they age,” said AARP Georgia State Director Vanessa J. Payne. “Her service as an AARP volunteer, her unwavering commitment, and dedication to the needs of older Georgians, as well as her passion for our mission, make her an ideal choice.”

Parham, a Milledgeville resident, will lead AARP Georgia’s volunteer Executive Council and work to achieve the mission and strategic priorities in communities across the state. She will also serve as the principal AARP volunteer spokesperson in Georgia. Her appointment is effective on June 16th. Parham succeeds outgoing volunteer state president Myrtle Habersham, who served in the role since 2022.

Although recently retired, Parham’s prior roles include Executive Director of the Milledgeville Housing Authority, Director of Social Work and Long-Term Care, and Nursing Home Administrator. She was responsible for patient rights and services, skilled nursing rehabilitation, counseling services, and directed all activities of a multi-family housing unit. Parham has also been appointed to the Ethics Board, MHA Housing Board, and several other City of Milledgeville community service boards. She is often called on by Mayor Mary Copelan to deliver speeches and proclamations as a special assistant/advisor to the mayor. These experiences will help her guide AARP’s work to support and advocate for Georgians 50-plus, their families, and loved ones.

“I am humbled to have been selected to serve as the next state president of AARP Georgia,” said Parham. “It is an honor to serve Georgia's older adults and work with AARP volunteers and staff to improve their quality of life and ensure their voices are heard. I am deeply committed to AARP’s priorities, including supporting family caregivers, work and save, livable communities, and helping Georgians age in their own homes.”

Parham is also an active AARP advocate, helping to fight for adults, age 50+ at the state legislature, and has helped to recruit, onboard, and train volunteers in many areas on career journeys. In recent years, she has received various community and regional awards and is recognized by her local AARP Chapter as a distinguished and prominent volunteer. She is often applauded for sharing resources for housing, clothing, and food within her local church, AARP members, and the community at large. She helped to fund a 400 turkey and ham giveaway in November 2024.