Kansan Joan Ruff Selected to Chair AARP Board of Directors

On June 3, 2016, AARP welcomed new members and officers to its all-volunteer Board of Directors, including the organization’s newest Board Chair, Joan Ruff, of Kansas.  The new Board President is Eric Schneidewind, of Michigan, the Board member who serves as AARP’s principal volunteer spokesperson. Along with four other officers, they will serve until June of 2018.

The all-volunteer, Board of Directors is the governing body of AARP. The Board provides strategic direction, sets policy and provides governance oversight for AARP. Directors’ responsibilities include approving AARP’s strategic plan, approving the budget and monitoring AARP’s finances.

Joan Ruff, J.D., has worked as executive, human resources consultant and attorney. After more than 10 years as a tax attorney, she joined William M. Mercer Inc., where she consulted on employee benefits and compensation. She then held executive management positions at Zurich Financial Services and H&R Block. Her leadership on numerous nonprofit boards and committees includes service as Secretary/Treasurer of the Mid-Continent Council of Girl Scouts and chair of the Mid-Continent Girl Scouts’ Human Resources and Capital Campaign committees. She has also contributed her expertise to Habitat for Humanity and the Kansas City Red Cross. She resides in Mission Woods, Kansas, where she serves on the Mission Woods City Council.

As Board Chair, Ruff serves as the presiding official of the Board of Directors as it directs the affairs and funds of AARP. The Board Chair also serves as chair of the Governance and Compensation Committees.

Information about other new officers and board members can be found here.