Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

AARP AARP States Oregon Community

Young at Any Age - Maynard Orme

153A8170 (1)
Maynard Orme by Sam Jones



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Young at Any Age Logo



By Debbie Cahill, AARP Oregon Volunteer

If you’re thinking of whom to invite to create a dinner party full of laughter, Maynard Orme might be the first person on your list. With a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, Maynard may be retired, but not retiring. At nearly 80 years old, he just returned from trekking in Nepal – and there is so much more to do!

The former CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), Maynard says he graduated from the world of work in 2005 to continue a very busy and full life—one in which no grass grows under his feet. He also served as an interim director at All Classical Portland radio station when it was between station managers. That’s quite a departure from plans his dad tried to make for him.

As a boy, he was urged by his dentist father take pre-dentistry courses which he hated. It wasn’t until his time as an undergraduate student at Berkley that he realized that he was never going to make a career in the sciences. His conviction was so strong, he walked out of chemistry class never to look back to pursue music and the arts. He was a drummer and enjoyed playing Country Western music and jazz. And yes, there is still a drum set in his basement.

 It was after a stint in the Army that he discovered his love of media and broadcasting. He says, “passion is nothing unless you’re willing to do the work.” So he rolled up his sleeves and took jobs at several television stations in California. He eventually completed a master’s and doctoral degrees and found he had a knack for leadership. He came to Oregon in 1986 to take the helm at Oregon Public Broadcasting where he guided OPB from a partially state-funded educational institution to the media powerhouse it is today.


And now, after his “graduation,” one glance at his calendar reveals the very full life he is leading. His love of running has him following track events. His life is structured around poetry, which he writes. You’ll find him at concerts – especially piano – and on nonprofit boards. He is also involved in an intern program that was established in his name by OPB. He remembers fondly those who took the time to mentor him in his youth, and that keeps him enthused about the program for which he interviews prospective interns. He also personally mentors three young people in the community whom he calls “stars.” The gleam in his eyes when he speaks of them reveals that his passion for education is still very much with him. And, his interest in trains has him serving on the Priorities Committee of the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation.

What does he say about his busy schedule? He believes one must always have something on the calendar to look forward to. He advises those who are also about to “graduate” to take the initiative to indulge their passions. “Never turn down an invitation,” he also advises. There is definitely no grass growing under Maynard Orme’s feet.

Young at Any Age is a collaborative project with the AARP Oregon Volunteer team of Carlos Romo, Steve Carter, Joyce DeMonnin, Sam Jones and Debbie Cahill. Send in suggestions to oraarp@aarp.org for outstanding Oregonians 50+ who prove that age is just a number. #DisruptAging #RealPossibilities

[Photo: Sam Jones]

 

 

 

 

About AARP Oregon
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.