McManus to Lead AARP Advocacy Efforts in Albany

Albany, N.Y. – Kristen McManus has been appointed Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy with AARP New York, replacing David McNally, who has retired. McManus will oversee day-to-day advocacy work and long-term strategy for the organization’s New York State office.

Recently, as an Associate State Director for Advocacy, she has worked on issues involving health, livable communities and financial security on behalf of 7 million New Yorkers over the age of 50 in the state.

Her advocacy efforts were instrumental in securing a historic investment in non-Medicaid home- and community-based services, ensuring protections for consumers against crippling medical debt and creating the state’s Secure Choice Savings Program, a retirement savings program for those without access to a retirement plan.

“Kristen’s passion for the work and her commitment to fighting for older New Yorkers is in everything she does,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “We are lucky to have her on the frontline, whether it’s persuading state and federal lawmakers to improve the lives of caregivers, safeguard mechanisms for financial security for retirees or making our communities more age friendly.”

“As New York’s aging population grows, there are countless opportunities for our federal, state and local governments to improve the lives of older New Yorkers,” McManus said. “I am honored to be stepping into this role at such a crucial time, and I am eager to continue working to ensure New York is a place for everyone to live, work and age with dignity.”

McManus joined AARP in 2013 after working in the New York State Assembly for over five years. She graduated from the University at Albany and is a 2026 candidate for a master’s degree in government affairs and advocacy at Albany Law School.

She sits on the New York State Council on Hunger and Food Policy and the state Master Plan on Aging. In 2016, she was named a City & State 40 under 40 Rising Star.

Connect with AARP New York on X: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York and LinkedIn: AARP New York

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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