AARP Utah appoints two new members to Executive Council

AARP Utah is proud to announce the appointment of Olga de la Cruz and Kimo Pokini as the newest members of our Executive Council.

The Executive Council member is part of a team of leadership volunteers who, under the guidance of the State President and the State Director, carry out AARP’s strategic priorities within the state.  Council members provide input on strategies for accomplishing the state plan, help to position AARP as an influential and trusted power in the state, and provide guidance and assistance on a variety of special projects that match the interests of the Council members with the priorities of AARP . 

Olga de la Cruz has lived in Utah most of her adult life.  She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Utah.  Her professional experience is in nonprofit organizations, marketing at the corporate level and small business.

In 2019, Olga combined her love for sales and marketing and founded her family-owned business - Painter1 of Greater Salt Lake.  She and her husband have earned numerous accolades such as Franchisee of the Year, Highest Sales and Women in Business awards.

Through her passion of helping women business owners, Olga volunteers in various organizations aimed at strengthening small businesses. More recently, Olga began serving on the board of the Associated Builders & Contractors and as Board Liaison on the Women In Construction Committee. 

Olga is an adult caretaker for her parents and enjoys spending time with family, cooking and vintage shopping.  

Kimo is a long-time advocate of nonprofit volunteer work and has actively participated in a number of worthy causes that support humanitarian and animal rescue efforts. Kimo is a co-founder of Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering, a Utah-based nonprofit that aims to keep pets with their people during crisis situations.

Professionally, Kimo's career is focused on his passion for people, with leadership experience in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Training, and Communications. 

Kimo unexpectedly became a caregiver to his parents several years ago, which opened his eyes to the challenges many older Americans face. Now an AARP member himself, Kimo is excited for the chance to serve and make a difference in his community. 

Kimo is married to husband Stan, has a dog named Kubo, and enjoys the company of his mom and father-in-law, who also live in their home.

We deeply appreciate Olga and Kimo's willingness to take on the role of Executive Council Member and to be a part of this important nationwide cadre of AARP leaders.  Their skills, expertise, and insights will strengthen AARP’s presence and impact in our state and with our elected officials.