Senior Leadership Initiative

Judith Mansell is the Coordinator of the Wilson County Family Caregiver Support Program. She also has a broad range of volunteer interests assisting non-profit agencies and caring for frail elders in the community. Judy has earned a masters degree in business administration, has worked in various financial and management positions in the corporate world, and returned to college for a masters degree in psychology. She then worked in academia before entering the field of aging. Since participating in the IOA Senior Leadership Initiative, Judy has served as President of the Wilson County Council on Aging, as a Commissioner on the City of Wilson Human Relations Commission, and has earned the Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging, Mary G. Little Aging Program Accomplishment Award for an initiative in building Livable and Senior-Friendly Communities in Wilson County. She credits her experience in the IOA Senior Leadership Initiative with the renewed energy and vision that has led to broadening her involvement in serving in the area of aging. (Updated May 2007)

Ann Robson retired with her husband to the Sandhills in North Carolina. She has been an elementary school teacher and a journalist. After moving to Whispering Pines she wrote for the Pilot in Southern Pines. She is actively involved in a number of civic and volunteer activities including the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, RSVP of Moore County, the Moore County Department of Aging and AARP of North Carolina. She has received several media awards for production of a series on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

Betty Zimmerman retired 2 years ago from AVX/Corning Glass. Prior to her retirement and since, Betty has been active in the union movement. She is a board member of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO. Since 2003, Betty has been the president of the Triangle Labor Union Retiree Club. She is also involved in the Triangle Retiree Council and the NC Alliance for Retired Americans. In her application, Betty wrote that her resume reflects her commitment to civil and human rights of working citizens of North Carolina and a commitment to political and economic justice for all citizens.