History & leaderhship
Our Purpose
Bringing together individuals, from all walks of life, to celebrate the joys of aging
A pioneer in the field, the nationwide alliance of Aging Forward offer endless possibilities to live life with meaning and purpose through educational programs, volunteer caregiving services, and social programs that build community connections for all. Millions of lives have changed for the better as older adults are aging with dignity in the community.
Our story
Our history & experience
As a minister, Elbert Cole recognized that as individuals were retiring from careers and moving into the next stage of life, they maintained an intense desire to continue growing and contributing to society. Cole also held strong beliefs about personal wellness (physically, mentally and spiritually), lifelong learning, and interfaith and interracial cooperation. These values, shared by so many, just needed to be tapped.
So in 1971, a community planning team — using concepts of empowerment, ownership, and participatory decision-making — designed an organization that provided opportunities to meet a range of needs of retired adults. A year later, the first Shepherd’s Center opened in Kansas City as a new model for aging that empowered older adults to use their wisdom, skills, and talents to create opportunities for themselves and others. Success was immediate and Shepherd’s Centers rapidly expanded to other neighborhoods and communities across the U.S.
The legacy of Aging Forward
For nearly five decades now, Aging Forward has been a beacon for moving forward the national conversation on positive aging in America. Today our programs promote solutions for a more productive, meaningful, and independent way of living in later life. Building on years of experience, our empowering programs focus on lifelong learning, health and wellness, and volunteering in community in order to foster independence (and interdependence), grow meaningful friendships, and minimize social isolation.
Aging Forward is a network of interfaith, community-based organizations designed by, with, and for older adults. Each local affiliate Aging Forward is a separate nonprofit led by an independent board of directors. As one of the first organizations to celebrate the power of aging, Aging Forward is dedicated to establishing new centers, supporting existing ones, and contributing to the national aging network.
The mission of Aging Forward is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for service, lifelong learning, individual well-being and independent living designed by, with and for older adults through an interfaith network of community-based organizations.
Our vision is to transform the concept of aging into an empowering experience for living a life of meaning…for today’s and future generations.
Our values are rooted in the philosophy of what all religions and people have in common—a responsibility to do good and help others. We seek to provide all individuals with meaningful experiences for personal growth and self-expression. For healthy, active lifestyles; for social and recreational opportunities to build friendships. By helping our neighbors, we help our communities.
Our leadership
At the national office, we devote our energy to providing an array of programs and services to support our local affiliates. These include: providing education, training, and technical assistance, coaching community leaders in establishing new centers, raising awareness of the difference the network makes in the lives of older adults and society, and numerous other activities to advance our mission.
Meet our board of directors
Julie Adams-Buchanan
Executive Director
Shepherd’s Center of Richmond
Richmond, VA
About Julie
“I truly found my calling when I embarked on a career in volunteer administration with The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond. Volunteerism is at the heart of everything that is good in our world. Volunteers are driven to make the world a better place and transform the dynamics of the workplace. I find that when the daily grind of the office gets me down, it is interacting with my volunteers that give me inspiration and a renewal of purpose. I am energized by working with these individuals I call angels on earth. At the end of the day, it is rewarding to know that you have been a part of bringing a change for good to your community and humankind.”
Michael J. Audino, MA
Executive Consultant, Educator, & Strategic Advisor
St. Petersburg, FL
About Michael
Michael is a seasoned executive and lifelong educator with over 40 years of experience in organizational development, program management, and public policy. He retired from the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida, where he led impactful public transit and aviation research initiatives spanning rural and urban environments at local, state, and federal levels.
As Principal at Audino & Associates, Michael develops strategic plans and public outreach initiatives. He co-founded the Charitable Giving Resource Center, helping over 100 nonprofits enhance capacity, fundraising, and operations. He is also the co-author of Getting There: A Monetary and Fundraising Guide for Charities.
Michael’s career includes leadership roles with the Des Moines International Airport, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. He currently serves on boards including Brave Leadership and Impact Pinellas, and remains active as a student mentor and Guardian ad Litem.
Michael holds a master’s in business leadership from Upper Iowa University and a bachelor’s in community and regional planning from Iowa State University.
Julia Burrowes, Secretary
Thought Leadership & Impact Manager
American Society on Aging
Matthews, NC
About Julia
Aging is such a gift and one that I hope can be enjoyed by all. I was introduced to Aging Forward as a student, and it has helped to shape how and why I work in the aging services field. Helping others to age with grace and dignity is truly my calling. Whether it be providing direct care services in your local community or large coalitions advocating for policy changes at the federal level, I am always in awe of the power of like-minded people coming together to effect positive change for the greater good. The Aging Forward model is proof of the power of volunteers and fierce advocates. I am grateful to be a part of this story.
Leah Greenfield
Executive Director
LifeQuest of Arkansas
About Leah
Leah Greenfield has worked at LifeQuest of Arkansas for the past nine years, and this is her third year as Executive Director. A graduate of Hendrix College and Appalachian State University, she has a background in higher education administration, nonprofit fundraising, and event management. Leah and her husband, a clinical psychologist, are the parents of two grown & flown young adults and one oversized, affectionate Boxer. Working at LifeQuest is a true joy for Leah as its mission and members serve as daily models for healthy longevity and active aging.
Dr. Michael C Mickens
Executive Director
Alliance for Full Acceptance
Louisville, KY
About Michael
My initial interest in Aging Forward was my realization that older adults are one of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in society, often experiencing significantly higher inequities and disparities than the average member of the population, including everything from economic insecurity, health disparities, food insecurity, and social isolation.
As a community health advocate whose passion includes addressing the whole life needs of people including physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental health, I felt this was something that I could not ignore, so I accepted the invitation to serve the aged population as an advocate for their total health and well-being. One of my favorite quotes comes from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., “If I can help somebody as I pass along if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.” Martin Luther King Jr.
Oren Renick, JD, Th.M., Chair
Professor, School of Health Administration Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
About Oren
“Paraphrasing Rabindranath Tagore, ‘I dreamed that life was all joy. I awoke and saw that life was but service. I served and learned that service is joy.’”
Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, MSW
FriendshipWorks
Wellesley, MA
About Janet
Janet Seckel-Cerrotti is the Executive Director of FriendshipWorks, an interfaith volunteer caregiving program serving elders in Boston, MA. Janet has been with FriendshipWorks (formerly called MATCH-UP Interfaith Volunteers) since its inception in 1984. Janet has held a range of senior leadership positions in numerous organizations serving the needs of and advocating for the elderly and has been a long-time friend of Aging Forward.
Chuck Smithers, Treasurer
Board Member
Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park, FL
Orange Park, FL
About Chuck
Finding a place for us older folks to fit in and continue to experience a fulfilling life is not always easy. Aging Forward through the Alliance of community nonprofits around the country provides high-quality programs targeted to our interests and age group. I can’t think of anything more important to this demographic.”
Betsy Solomon
Board Member
Shepherd’s Center of Webster-Kirkwood
Creve Coeur, MO
About Betsy
“My first experience with the Shepherd’s Center was as an instructor for the Adventures in Learning program. I knew from the very first day that the Aging Forward Alliance was different from other organizations because of the true sense of community among the people who participate. Whether educational programs, volunteer opportunities, community outreach, or helping hands, the Aging Forward Alliance brings people together, and everyone belongs.”
Mike Stanfill, BS Civil Engineering
Board Member
Shepherd’s Center of Topeka
Topeka, KS
About Mike
“When I retired, I learned about the Shepherd’s Center of Topeka. I soon got involved with several of the activities from playing pickleball to Adventures in Learning. To learn there was a group in town whose mission is to help older adults remain socially active with both physical and mental activities, have chances to grow spiritually, and stay involved in the community appealed to me. I have served on my local Shepherd’s Center’s board as a Trustee, Chair, and Treasurer. I am honored to have a chance to work on the Aging Forward board to help the network of local centers meet the needs of the older adults in their communities.
Rachel A. Stiff, MA
Administration
Mississippi Baptist Seminary
Jackson, MS
About Rachel
“I believe we should cherish every stage of life and look for the beauty in each one. Seniors’ memories are a personal snapshots in history. Aging Forward is a gathering of a beautiful collage, from which we can all benefit.”
Alessandra Zonari, PhD
Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer
One Skin Technologies
San Francisco, CA
About Alessandra
Dr. Alessandra Zonari is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of OneSkin. She holds a PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, completed in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal, and completed her second post-doctoral research at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. A co-inventor of three patents and author of 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers, Dr. Zonari is a leading voice in advancing skin biology and regeneration.
“Over the past decade, I’ve focused my research on understanding skin biology and skin regeneration. For me, OneSkin became the connecting dot—it’s where I unite my research with my dream of extending the years that people can spend in good health.”
Dr. Zonari’s innovative work continues to shape the future of health and longevity.
Meet our staff
Sarah Cheney
Executive Director
About Sarah
Sarah has served with Aging Forward since 2005, first as a board member, including serving as chair from 2009-2011, and now as executive director. Her experience includes hands-on direct service and corporate leadership with both for-profit and nonprofit health and human service agencies. She has been privileged to work with hundreds of older adults, where her learning has been greatly enriched through their life experiences.
Teresa Davis
Senior Director
About Teresa
Teresa has been a member of the Aging Forward team since 2005 and currently provides network outreach for educational and support programs. She is passionate about empowering older adults’ involvement in enriching environments that promote educational support, community connections, and a sense of well-being. Teresa is grateful that her daily work with the Aging Forward Alliance supports her personal mission to serve others with compassion, grace, and dignity.
Mary Wiles
Marketing & Communications Manager
About Mary
Mary has been a member of the Aging Forward team since 2022 and currently provides support to marketing and communication initiatives. She is grateful to be a part of an organization that enriches and promotes support older adults in communities across the nation.
Mindy Bethke
Operations Assistant
About Mindy
Mindy joined Aging Forward in 2024, bringing her expertise in general operational and administrative support. Previously, she dedicated her time and skills to the Shepherd’s Center of Webster-Kirkwood, MO, where she served as a Tech Tutor and Program Assistant. Through this experience, she developed a profound passion for empowering older adults and recognizes the significance of providing educational support and fostering community connections. Mindy feels grateful for the opportunity to join with the Aging Forward Alliance and make a positive impact.
Our partners
Our partners enable our network to do what we do best: positively impact the lives of older adults by connecting them to social, educational, and support services that build community for all.
Learn more about partnership opportunities!
We’ll work together to develop a unique philanthropic program that connects your organization to our network.
For more information, please contact Sarah Cheney at sarah@aging-forward.org.