WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES DECEMBER 16, 2021 3
James O’Neal of Harlem appointed as AARP New York state president
BY QNS STAFF
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
AARP New York has appointed aging expert and
dedicated community health care advocate
James C. O’Neal as its next state president. In this
position, O’Neal will chair the AARP New York Executive
Council, a select leadership group of AARP New
York members with an outstanding record of service
and a commitment to the goals of the Association. As
State President, O’Neal will help shape AARP New
York’s strategic priorities, build community partnerships
with key decision makers and serve as volunteer
spokesperson for the organization.
“We’re excited to welcome James and his wealth of
expertise to AARP’s fi ght for New Yorkers 50-plus,”
said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “James
brings a comprehensive knowledge of aging and health
care that will make AARP New York even stronger as
we navigate the ongoing pandemic and into the future.”
O’Neal, an independent consultant on older adult issues,
has spent over a decade in the community health
care industry, fi rst with Oxford Health Plans, followed
by the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and Beth
Abraham’s CenterLight Health Care, where he held the
position of Director of Community Outreach until his
retirement in January 2015.
“AARP’s incredible strength comes from its members
and volunteers, and I’m so proud to help lead
this dedicated group,” O’Neal said. “I look forward to
continuing the important work of making New York
State a healthier, more livable and more aff ordable place
to live and age.”
O’Neal currently serves as a Board Member of the
State Society on Aging of New York, Neighborhood
SHOPP (senior centers and services) and the Washington
Heights/Inwood Interagency Council on Aging, and
is President of the Bronx Interagency Council on Aging
(BRICA).
His past appointments include advisory and leadership
roles with the Adult Immunization Coalition of
the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene of New
York City and the U.S. Department of Housing and
Development-sponsored “Healthy Homes, Healthy Seniors”
Community Study. In 2016, O’Neal was appointed
a Member of the governor’s Advisory Committee for
the Aging, and since 2018, he has served as a United Nations
Representative for the International Federation
on Ageing.
O’Neal holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin
& Marshall College and a Master of Arts from New York
University. He resides in Harlem.
O’Neal succeeds Leo Asen, who will complete his
maximum term of six years as AARP State President
at the conclusion of 2021.
AARP New York volunteers advocate on behalf of the
50-plus and are supported by the Executive Council and
AARP staff . Those interested in volunteering may visit
https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/ for more information.
Follow AARP on Twitter: @AARPNY and Facebook:
AARP New York
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofi t, nonpartisan
organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older
to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide
presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens
communities and advocates for what matters most to
families: health security, fi nancial stability and personal
fulfi llment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation
publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP
Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/nearyou or
follow @AARPNY on social media.
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