AARP Extends Service to the Triad

GREENSBORO –To meet the needs of the state’s 50 plus population, AARP has hired Cara Townsend as Associate State Director serving the Triad. Townsend has more than 15 years of experience in public policy, having served four Members of Congress, the White House, and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. In 2004, she was selected as a Presidential Appointee in Congressional Affairs for the George W. Bush Administration.

AARP State Director Doug Dickerson explains, “Providing the best service to AARP members, as well as helping our cities and towns become more age-friendly, means having a strong community presence all across the state. AARP membership in the Triad and throughout North Carolina is growing, as is our aging population. Townsend’s policy focus will be a great benefit to older adults given her experience that includes health care, energy, public safety, and seniors’ issues. Her political experience also includes two Presidential campaigns in 2004 and 2008.

In addition to her policy background, Townsend’s professional experience will benefit the large number of older adults considering starting their own businesses in addition to the growing number of people taking care of loved ones. A small business owner since 2005, Cara formed Townsend Enterprises to serve as a political and policy consultant.  Cara also co-founded the CareAdvocacy Institute, which specializes in patients, families, and civilian/military caregivers in crisis.

Dickerson added, “When it comes to addressing the needs of a rapidly aging population,   AARP is focused on the health, economic security and personal fulfillment of its members. Townsend’s deep understanding of the issues and her strong state and community connections, will go a long way when it comes to providing the information, education and advocacy people need to find their real possibilities in life.”

Townsend's advocacy background will be extremely beneficial when she leads AARP’s voter education campaign Take a Stand in the Triad. T ake a Stand is asking all candidates for President and Congress to lay out their plans to update Social Security so it’s financially sound with adequate benefits. Throughout the election, AARP is urging the candidates to debate their proposals so voters understand how they will affect them and the generations to come.