AARP New York Opens Search for Next Volunteer State President

Position leads AARP NY Executive Council to advise state office on strategic direction and serves at top volunteer spokesperson

AARP New York is opening the search for its next State President, a volunteer role that leads the organization’s state Executive Council and works in partnership with the State Director and staff to achieve AARP’s vision, mission and strategic priorities. The State President also serves as AARP’s chief volunteer spokesperson in New York

“As our state turns the corner from the pandemic, New Yorkers 50-plus will play a critical role in rebuilding,” said AARP State Director Beth Finkel. “We’re excited to welcome a new State President to advise AARP New York at a pivotal moment for our members and all older New Yorkers.”

Current AARP New York State President Leo Asen added, “It has been a pleasure working with Beth and her team these past six years, and we have accomplished so much together. AARP New York fought for the passage of the state’s Secure Choice retirement savings program and the CARE Act to support family caregivers, gave thousands of New York City tenants the right to counsel in housing court, and collaborated with leading organizations to disrupt racial and ethnic disparities across New York.”

Asen was appointed as State President in 2015 and will complete his third term in December.

The next State President will provide high-level strategic advice, chair an Executive Council and lead a diverse volunteer corps. The State President is instrumental in advancing AARP’s message throughout the state and making connections throughout New York’s diverse communities. An ideal candidate will be comfortable in the public eye, representing AARP at news conferences, before state and local legislators and at public hearings about issues important to New Yorkers 50-plus. Candidates should be knowledgeable about New York’s demographics and political environment.

Key responsibilities of the State President include:

• Providing vision and leadership to AARP activities in partnership with the State Director
• Advising on the framework for state strategic planning and the coordination of AARP activities in partnership with the State Director and the Executive Council
• Building networks and community partnerships across the state with other organizations and key decision makers to further AARP goals
• Demonstrating a commitment to engage diverse populations in all activities in the state

The State President will serve two years with an option by the State Director to renew twice without exceeding six years. The position requires travel (when safe) to events throughout New York, including AARP’s offices in New York City, Albany and Rochester. Occasional travel to AARP’s Washington, D.C., headquarters is also required. A complete position description is available here.

To apply, send a cover letter with resume to nyaarp@aarp.org.

Media contact: Jordan McNerney, jmcnerney [at] aarp [dot] org.