Tina Tran named new state director at AARP Texas

Tina Tran, who has led the outreach and local advocacy operations of AARP in Texas over the last five years, has been named new state director for the nationwide nonprofit’s Texas operations. The announcement was made by Rawle Andrews Jr., AARP regional vice president.

“Tina has a deep understanding of our organization, she understands the challenges facing older adults and their families, and she works tirelessly to ensure AARP is as good as its promise in serving as a champion for defending the rights and interests of Texans as they age,” Andrews said.

Tran joined the AARP Texas team in 2014 and has been responsible for leading a team of seven staff and hundreds of volunteers in communities throughout the state. She has been a lead architect of AARP’s approach to achieve Age Friendly Community designations aimed to make communities more adaptable to the needs of people of all ages; in addition to working for the successful adoption of community action plans in Texas’ six largest cities.

Tran’s leadership credentials at AARP include serving a stint as Interim AARP State Director in Georgia and currently serving on the Executive Committee of AARP’s Disaster Management SEERG, an employee resource group which provides strategic advice and technical assistance to public officials, human service agencies and other community stakeholders around natural and man-made disasters. She also led AARP’s disaster relief efforts in Houston during Hurricane Harvey.

Charlene James, volunteer president of AARP Texas, said: “Through her experience, impressive credentials, and local community involvement, Tina is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with the state's changing demographics and political environments to increase community awareness of issues impacting the daily lives of so many. She is a good listener, promotes inclusiveness and encourages those around her to be visionaries in promoting the greater good.”

"I thank out-going state director, Bob A. Jackson, for his leadership, wise counsel, and many years of dedicated service to AARP and the aging community,” Tran said. “We will miss Bob and wish him well in his retirement. I’m eager and excited to work with AARP Texas State President Charlene James, RVP Rawle Andrews and the AARP Texas team in this new role to help further AARP’s mission across the Lone Star State. Our top priority is to be fearless and bold in our efforts to advocate on behalf of our 2.3 million Texas members and their families and to further AARP’s core mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. In doing so, we honor AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus’ call to serve, not to be served.”

Prior to joining AARP, Tran served as the Legislative Director for Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis of Houston, who now serves as a Harris County Commissioner.

“AARP Texas has made an outstanding choice in choosing Tina as its new state director; she is a trailblazer who will bring an unmatched passion, intellect and work ethic to this leadership role. Her commitment to community service runs deep, and I have no doubt she will be a powerful advocate for everyone served by AARP Texas,” Commissioner Ellis said.

Bonna Kol, president of Asia Society Texas Center, added: “Asia Society has enjoyed a robust collaboration with Tina on a variety of programs for AARP members and the public. She is passionate about building strong communities through cultural understanding and respect, which aligns beautifully with our mission. We enthusiastically congratulate Tina on this announcement.”

Tran received a B.A. degree from the University of California at Berkeley, a J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and is a member of the Texas State Bar.