We're Hiring! AARP Idaho State Director Position Open

Lupe Wissel of Eagle, who has served AARP Idaho as state director since October 2015, has announced her retirement, effective June 6, 2025. Over her career, including ten in her current position, Wissel’s work includes serving more than 10 years with the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and working more than 14 years on Capitol Hill.

Prior to her role as staff director for the Veterans’ Affairs committee, Wissel served as the staff director for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. She was offered this position following her successful tenure as the state director for the Idaho Commission on Aging, a role to which she was appointed by then Governor Dirk Kempthorne.

“My relationship with Lupe Wissel has been as an AARP volunteer, state executive council member, and currently as the volunteer state president,” said Barbara Blasch, AARP Idaho volunteer state president. “Thru all of my roles Lupe has shown outstanding professionalism when advocating for the 50+ population. We have traveled across the country to many AARP events and always she displayed the motto of AARP "to serve, not to be served”.

During her tenure with AARP, Wissel guided the Idaho staff and a deep cadre of volunteers—who are committed to helping the 50+ live their best lives and thrive as they age. Wissel has also been instrumental in AARP’s expansion of resources for veterans through increased access to information and services, and educational programs. She also led the development and delivery of AARP’s community programs, advocacy and information for its more than 187,000 members in Idaho.

“Serving as AARP Idaho’s leader for nearly a decade has been an extraordinary honor and privilege. As the AARP Idaho state director, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with a talented staff and a dedicated team of volunteers on behalf of the more than 187,000 Idaho members," said Wissel. "Together, we have tirelessly championed the empowerment of Idahoans aged 50 and older, enabling them to choose how they live as they age through robust advocacy, comprehensive education, and unwavering service. As I transition from this remarkable organization to embrace a new chapter, I will carry with me immense pride in our collective achievements. We have reached remarkable milestones and forged a lasting impact for Idahoans 50 and older.”

Before joining AARP, Wissel served on several boards and commissions, including the Pacific Region National Rehabilitation Association, the Idaho Hispanic Commission and Idaho State Independent Living Council and the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and currently serves in Boards of the Idaho Public Television and Saint Alphonsus Health Systems

AARP will conduct a nationwide search for the next AARP Idaho state director. Interested parties can find the job posting and description at: https://careers.aarp.org/careers-home/jobs/6599?lang=en-us