Health educator and case manager joins AARP North Carolina volunteer leadership team

GREENSBORO, NC — With health being such an important aspect of successful aging, AARP North Carolina is proud to announce that Anita Chesney, EdD, MPH, RN, has been appointed to its’ Executive Council.

AARP North Carolina’s Executive Council is a group of dedicated volunteers who help steer the work of AARP in the state. They provide valuable insights, connections, skills and experience that help improve aging in the state.

Chesney is an experienced skilled nurse educator with diverse knowledge of leadership, community health, organizational development, quality assurance, and interpersonal communication skills. She has been an active AARP volunteer in the Triad Region.

She also has vast experience when it comes to case management, which is vital when it comes to helping people navigate what can be complex and confusing health care systems.

“With an educator’s background, Anita has a special ability to help people understand some of the complexities of our health care system,” said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender.

In addition, she has a military background serving as a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard. AARP is strong voice for veterans, the military and their families and Anita will represent their interests well,” Olender added.

Among her long list of professional accomplishments include instructing at NC A&T and Tennessee State University, and being a case manager for a number of organizations including Vanderbilt Medical Center, Meharry Medical College, NC Industrial Commission, and the NC Board of Nursing. She also was the Director of Patient Services and Quality Assurance for the NC DHHS Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

AARP Associate State Director for the Triad Region Mark Hensley said, “"Anita has a big place in her heart for those who serve their country and communities. She has been a tireless advocate for the AARP Wish of a Lifetime initiative that sparks hope and joy in the hearts of older adults by fulfilling their dreams through personalized experiences that promote healthy and purposeful aging.”

Anita resides in Greensboro, NC and volunteered for AARP in both North Carolina and Tennessee. She has received numerous awards including an Alumni Achievement Award, from NC A&T State University-School of Nursing, Tennessee Nursing Association, US Army, American Cancer Society and more.