State President Sandra Harris Awarded 2024 AARP Massachusetts Andrus Award For Community Service

Sandra Harris has been selected by AARP to receive the 2024 AARP Massachusetts Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

Sandra Harris has been the volunteer State President of AARP Massachusetts since 2019. Her term as State President ends in January. As State President, Harris been a fierce defender of Massachusetts residents 50-plus, testifying on Beacon Hill, meeting with congressional leaders and traveling to Washington to support AARP’s priorities: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment.

Harris is passionate about ending loneliness across the Bay State. As State President, she helped AARP Massachusetts convene a task force to tackle the epidemic. Harris now co-leads The Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness. The organization’s mission is to ensure all residents of the Commonwealth feel connected to their community and enjoy a strong sense of social health.

The award is named after AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, and honors Massachusetts residents 50-plus who use their experience, talent, and skills to bring fulfillment to enrich the lives of their community members.

“It is fitting that Sandra is this year’s recipient. Sandra lives up to our founder’s motto, 'To serve and not be served' ” says Jennifer Benson State Director, AARP Massachusetts. “Sandra has been a friend, mentor, coach and amazing leader who inspires others to contribute their skills, talents, and commitment to fulfilling the mission of AARP.”

Harris is a retired Principal of S Harris Interiors, an interior design firm in senior living design. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Southern University and a master’s degree in interior design from George Washington University. She has one daughter and two grandsons. Sandra lives in Boston.

The award will be formally presented to Harris at a ceremony in October. AARP Massachusetts will make a financial donation to a non-profit organization of Harris’s choice: The Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness.