Madison Woman is New AARP WI State President

Meet Donna McDowell, our new AARP Wisconsin State President!

Donna, who lives in Madison, truly embodies everything AARP is striving to achieve. She understands the importance of empowering people age 50-plus to prepare themselves for their real possibilities in all phases of their lives. Her experience and expertise, particularly in the field of aging, are unparalleled.

She is a recognized leader across the state and nation in this area and has a strong belief in the work AARP is engaged in to make life better for everyone as they age.

Our State Director Sam Wilson recently appointed Donna to the two-year position. She begins her role immediately.

As State President, Donna will work with AARP members, volunteers, staff, legislators, and state residents on key issues facing the 50-plus population and all Wisconsinites, such as health care, long-term care, financial security and voter education.

Donna holds a journalism degree from Marquette University. She served the State of Wisconsin as the director of programs for elderly and people with disabilities through the Department of Health Services for 37 years before retiring in 2013. “I'm excited about being AARP president after a lengthy career in policy and management in state government because it is an opportunity to work with citizens on issues that matter most to real people without a ‘political filter,’ she said.

Donna has been an advocate and administrator for systems of long-term care based on home and community settings. During her tenure as aging director she was responsible for development of such popular statewide programs as the elderly Benefit Specialist, the Community Options Program, Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support, and the Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

“I see this as an opportunity to meet with and hear from lots of middle- and older- age folks to discover how they are succeeding at life in new career and family phases, and to learn what problems people are confronting,” she said. “I've chosen to affiliate with AARP primarily because it is the only organization in Wisconsin these days that includes large numbers of older people from all parts of the state and many different backgrounds.”

Donna began her public service in the Peace Corps in East Africa. She went on to develop a statewide nursing home advocacy organization in Pennsylvania before moving to Wisconsin to organize the founding convention of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

She has served on national boards and committees, including a term as president of the National Association of States United for Aging and Disability. She has also served as a consultant for states in Australia and Northern Ireland.

“I've accepted the challenge of being state president because that's where my skills fit best – my experience at the state level. I hope to become well acquainted with many people who have a greater depth of experience as neighborhood and local volunteers or at county or regional level, because that's where I can learn the most,” she said.

“Donna is committed to being a strong and capable voice for carrying out AARP’s mission here in Wisconsin, which is to make life better for all of us,” Sam said. “We are thrilled and honored to have Donna leading our statewide efforts.”