Former Agency Head Joins Executive Council

Former Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Jon Weizenbaum joins the AARP Texas Executive Council as its newest member.

Since 1998, Weizenbaum has worked with AARP Texas on a number of policies and advocacy issues. Now, he will lend his leadership experience and background of supporting older Texans to a two-year term on the council.

“AARP has one of the strongest voices in Texas for the rights of consumers and seniors,” Weizenbaum said.

Executive Council members serve as volunteers who work alongside AARP Texas staff and state volunteers to provide strategic direction in support of AARP’s national initiatives and policies.
For over a decade, Weizenbaum held multiple roles at the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). From his start as the Director of Center for Policy and Innovation where he lead policy analysis, to his closing capacity as Commissioner, Weizenbaum provided strategic planning and managed policy for the state agency.

Weizenbaum was also the Policy Director for the Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. In this position, he represented the committee chair in contacts with legislative staff, media, state agencies, advocacy organizations and the public.

He holds two master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and the LBJ School of Public Affairs.

In addition to the wide array of professional experience, Weizenbaum also commits time towards community involvement. He has volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Central Texas since 2002 and holds positions on The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work Advisory Council and the United Way for Greater Austin Mission Advancement Committee.

“Volunteering is very important to me. I think we all have a responsibility to give back our time to the community,” Weizenbaum acknowledged.

Though retired from state agencies, Weizenbaum said he is looking forward to working with AARP to make a difference in the lives of older Texans.