The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Area Committee on Aging (ACA) has sworn in 10 new members during its August meeting. These members bring a range of professional and personal experiences aimed at serving older adults across the metro Atlanta region. ACA board members are eligible to serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.
The ACA acts as an advisory body for the 10-county Atlanta Area Agency on Aging. It provides guidance and recommendations to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) about long-term plans that address the needs of a growing population of older adults, people with disabilities, and their care partners. The committee also advises ARC staff on planning and administering services that support independence, health, and well-being among seniors in the region.
Sharifa Adde from DeKalb County joins with 15 years of experience as a case manager at the Department of Family and Children Services. She worked with seniors and individuals with disabilities to help them access needed support services. “A global citizen, born in Somalia and having lived in Russia, Kenya, and the U.S., Adde brings cultural awareness and compassion to her work. She hopes to use her perspective to amplify the voices of seniors who face cultural and language barriers.”
Deke Cateau from Cobb County is CEO of A.G. Rhodes, which oversees three senior care communities in metro Atlanta. “With many years of leadership in healthcare and long-term care, he has received national recognition for his work in aging.” Cateau has served on boards focused on dementia and senior living. “His goal is to promote high-quality care and enhance the quality of life for older adults.”
Siddiqa Gibson from Henry County is executive director of Best Life Golden Years, Inc., specializing in caregiver support, respite care, and addressing food insecurity among seniors. “With a master’s degree in health management and over 20 years of experience in Medicare Advantage programs,” she says her work is a calling: “Gibson considers her work a calling and is especially passionate about uplifting caregivers, whom she describes as the ‘backbone’ of senior care.”
Will Johnston from DeKalb County leads the MicroLife Institute advocating for housing diversity through “missing middle” housing developments that allow older adults to remain connected within their communities. “Johnston believes seniors are key advocates for zoning reform and community planning,” which he intends to emphasize during his term.
Jessica Klausner from Gwinnett County recently graduated with a degree in Gerontology from Georgia State University. She combines academic training with practical experience advocating for increased outdoor fitness opportunities for older adults while volunteering with organizations supporting inclusive services. “As both a mother and advocate,” she offers “a multigenerational perspective” committed to empowering seniors.
Dominique Louis represents Cherokee County as Executive Director of Cherokee Angel Senior Care managing personal care homes, day centers, consulting services for assisted living facilities—and brings over 25 years’ experience including multimillion-dollar budget management along with fluency in French and Haitian Creole.
Jennifer Rewkowski from Fulton County serves as Vice President of Community Health & Wellness at YMCA Metro Atlanta after more than 25 years promoting community wellness programs supporting those affected by Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease; she has also managed participation in nationwide clinical studies related to memory/exercise interventions.
Lynne Riley also represents Fulton County bringing over twenty years’ public service leadership at state level—she aims “to leverage her expertise” so government processes become easier for seniors navigating healthcare or benefits systems.
Jay Francis Springs joins representing Fulton County too—a media professional who has held numerous city/neighborhood leadership roles including Chairman positions under various local initiatives such as President Jimmy Carter’s Atlanta Project—he remains committed “as a strong advocate for seniors.”
Gloria Stills comes from Rockdale County where she actively works connecting local elders with resources such as healthcare/legal aid while collaborating alongside organizations supporting their needs; inspired by former Rep Pamela Dickerson she seeks “to continue a legacy” ensuring adequate support reaches area seniors.
