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.
History
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.
Funding
COA would not be possible without the financial assistance it receives from donations, memorial bequests, sponsors of events, grants and other contributions.
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, Directory & Project Manager
Phone: (615) 353-4235 ext. 103
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. 101
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.
Michele Harrell, Development & Marketing Manager
Phone: (615)-353-4235 ext. 302
Michele joined COA in February 2012. Michele works with the Development Committee on all aspects of fund raising and development, including the semi-annual newsletter, giving campaigns, directory advertisement, event sponsorships, and the Sage Awards. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. She went on to Vanderbilt University where where she earned a Master's degree in Institutional Advancement.
Board of Directors
COA is guided by a talented Board whose members bring a variety of talents, expertise, and experience to the organization.2013 Officers
President: Joycelyn S. Stevenson, Littler
Vice President: Beverly Patnaik, Lipscomb University
Vice President: Beverly Patnaik, Lipscomb University
Secretary: Nell Ann Crowe, The Cumberland at Green Hills
Treasurer: Matt Shaw
Treasurer: Matt Shaw
Past President: Stephen S. Mathews, WholeCare Connections, Inc.
2013 Board Members
Jonathan Barnes, Care Technology Systems, Inc.
Valinda Burks, State Farm
Rebecca Climer, St. Thomas Health Services
Lee Fairbend, Book'em, retired
Judy S. Given, Park Manor
Valinda Burks, State Farm
Rebecca Climer, St. Thomas Health Services
Lee Fairbend, Book'em, retired
Judy S. Given, Park Manor
Frank W. Gluck, M.D., Baptist Hospital, retired
Anne Gulley, Community Volunteer
Audrey Hall, R.N., retired
Emily James, The Heritage at Brentwood
Bob Lewis, Human Resources Professional, retired
Paul C. Miller, Green Hills Senior Health Center
Audrey Hall, R.N., retired
Emily James, The Heritage at Brentwood
Bob Lewis, Human Resources Professional, 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
Lee Stewart, Metro Social Services
Lynn Ragland, St. George's Episcopal Church
Lee Stewart, Metro Social Services