The Council on Aging of Greater Nashville was founded in 1985 as a recommendation from a Mayoral task force on senior issues. The task force saw the need for a nonpartisan group to study gaps in services for seniors and caregivers on an ongoing basis. Until 2001, COA operated as a program of the Council of Community Services. It is now an independent 501c3 non-profit agency.
Mission
COA addresses the unmet needs of older adults and caregivers through information, advocacy and education and by being a catalyst for comprehensive solutions.
Vision
COA uniquely strengthens the Greater Nashville community as the unbiased authority on issues and resources concerning older adults and caregivers.
Guiding Principles
Knowledge and preparation are both essential for continuing to maintain quality of life.
- COA respects and acknowledges the on-going contributions of older adults in strengthening our community.
- COA works collaboratively with older adults, families, professionals, agencies, businesses, educational & government institutions to help shape a livable community for all ages.
- COA addresses issues/concerns from both "big picture" and detailed perspectives.
- COA's Directory of Services for Seniors and web directory maintains information that is accurate and available.
Funding
COA would not be possible without the financial assistance it receives from membership donations, memorial bequests, sponsors of events, grants and other contributions. COA works to ensure that the Council on Aging has the financial resources it needs to fulfill its mission and help older adults in our community.Leadership
Maribeth Farringer, Executive Director
Phone: (615) 353-4235 ext. 100
Mrs. Farringer began her career in senior services in 1990 and has served as Executive Director of the Council on Aging since 2001. Mrs. Farringer received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in Economics & Business Administration. She is an active member of the Senior Services Network, Frist Center for the Visual Arts Community Awareness Committee, Mental Health and Aging Coalition, among others and also serves on the Mayor’s Task Force on Livable Communities’ Executive Committee.
Paula Daigle, Project Manager/ Directory of Services for Seniors & ReNEW
Phone: (615) 353-4235 ext. 302
Paula serves as the editor for COA's revered publication, The Directory of Services for Seniors, a position she has held since 2006. A Louisiana native, Paula received her undergraduate degree from Northeast Louisiana University in Public Relations and her Master's degree in Organizational Communication from Murray State University.
Amanda Chiavini, Event & Office Manager
Phone: (615)-353-4235 ext. 102
Amanda joined COA in August 2011. Amanda manages COA's Discover Nashville program, assists with various events throughout the year, and provides assistances with information and referral calls. After living in Oregon, Amanda moved to Carbondale, Illinois and received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University. After which, she attended Vanderbilt University and received a Master's degree in Human Development Counseling.
Board of Directors
COA is guided by a talented Board whose members bring a variety of talents, expertise, and experience to the organization.2012 Officers
President: Joycelyn S. Stevenson, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, PLLC
Vice President: Beverly Patnaik, Patnaik and Associates
Vice President: Beverly Patnaik, Patnaik and Associates
Secretary: Nell Ann Crowe, The Cumberland at Green Hills
Treasurer: Lee Fairbend, Book'em, retired
Treasurer: Lee Fairbend, Book'em, retired
Past President: Stephen S. Mathews, WholeCare Connections, Inc.
2012 Board Members
Marie Carter, TrustCore
Caroline M. Chamberlain, Metro Social Services, retired
Rebecca Climer, St. Thomas Health Services
Judy S. Given, Park Manor
Caroline M. Chamberlain, Metro Social Services, retired
Rebecca Climer, St. Thomas Health Services
Judy S. Given, Park Manor
Frank W. Gluck, M.D., Baptist Hospital, retired
Diane Gramann, Mental Health America
Diane Gramann, Mental Health America
Anne Gulley, Community Volunteer
Pat Guy, Williamson Medical Center
Christopher N. Hancock, Cumberland Commercial Partners
Bob Lewis, Human Resources Professional, retired
Ida K. Martin, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, retired
Paul C. Miller, Green Hills Senior Health Center
Pat Guy, Williamson Medical Center
Christopher N. Hancock, Cumberland Commercial Partners
Bob Lewis, Human Resources Professional, retired
Ida K. Martin, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, retired
Paul C. Miller, Green Hills Senior Health Center
James S. Powers, M.D., Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lynn Ragland, St. George's Episcopal Church
Matt Shaw, Avenue Bank
Lee Stewart, Metro Social Services
Lynn Ragland, St. George's Episcopal Church
Matt Shaw, Avenue Bank
Lee Stewart, Metro Social Services