Mike Festa to step down as AARP Massachusetts State Director

Mike Festa, of Melrose, who has served as AARP state director since January 2013 has announced he is stepping down from the position effect July 5, 2024.

During his tenure with AARP, Festa guided the Massachusetts staff and a deep cadre of volunteers—who are committed to helping the 50+ live their best lives and thrive as they age. Mike has led the development and delivery of AARP’s community programs, advocacy and information for its more than 745,000 members age 50 and older in the Commonwealth.

“It is with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation that I have made this decision, reflecting on over 11 years of working with our colleagues at AARP and most particularly the staff and volunteers of the Massachusetts State office,” said Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts “While I have been blessed with many professional opportunities over the years, there is no doubt that the best job I ever had was with AARP. The extraordinary talent and passion I have witnessed firsthand continues to inspire me.”

With nearly 25 years in public service, Mike has a proven track record of fighting on behalf of older Massachusetts residents. He served as a State Representative for five terms, from 1999-2007, and Secretary of Elder Affairs in Governor Deval Patrick’s Cabinet from 2007-2009. He was also President and CEO of the Carroll Center for the Blind. Mike is an attorney and a former Assistant District Attorney for Middlesex County. He served on the Melrose School Committee for four years and as a Melrose Alderman for eight years. He also serves on several non-profit boards and Commissions in the Boston area. Mike graduated from Tufts University and Suffolk University Law School. He lives in Melrose with his wife Sandy, and has two children, Mike and Danielle, and four grandchildren, Tommy, Alex, Lily and Heidi.

“As AARP Massachusetts State President, I got to see Mike’s commitment to Bay State residents 50+ firsthand. With his unique blend of experiences, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, Mike has spent the last 11 years not only living up to the AARP Motto “to serve, not be serve”, but inspiring all of us as well” said Sandra Harris, State President, AARP Massachusetts. “We wish Mike and his wife, Sandy, all the best as they begin the next chapter in their lives.”

AARP will conduct a nationwide search for the next AARP Massachusetts state director. Interested parties can find the job posting and description at careers.aarp.org