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Scheduled for 2005
Executive Director Named for White House Conference
on Aging
April 16, 2004 – Ann Y. McGee, Ed.D., has been
named to serve as executive director for the
2005 White House Conference
on Aging. She is the former Commissioner of the Virginia Department on
Aging.
The White House Conference on Aging occurs once a
decade in order to make policy recommendations to the President and
Congress to assist the public and private sectors in promoting the
dignity, health, independence, and economic security of current and
future generations of older persons. Dr. McGee will oversee the planning
of the conference.
"This conference occurs as the first wave of the
baby boom generation prepares for retirement, creating an important
opportunity to creatively reassess aging in America and improve the
lives of older Americans," HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said in
making the announcement. "Ann has a long, proud record of serving older
Americans and will take the right steps to ensure a successful
conference."
The White House Conferences on Aging convene every
10 years and have served as catalysts to develop and define aging policy
over the past 40 years. The conferences have contributed to the
establishment of many of the key aging programs such as Medicare and
Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the Supplemental Security Income
program and the National Institute on Aging.
The conference will involve a policy committee with
17 members. The president will appoint nine members to the committee,
including the chairman, and Congress will appoint the other eight
members.
Dr. McGee served commissioner of the Virginia
Department on Aging from 1997 until 2002. As commissioner, she developed
and implemented strategic state plans, policies, and programs that
ensured independence and self-sufficiency for older adults. She received
a doctorate in adult and community college education from North Carolina
State University in 1980. She also holds a master's degree and
bachelor's degree from the university.
"This White House Conference on Aging will create a
new vision on aging that reflects the vibrancy of today's elder
population," Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina Carbonell said.
"Ann's extensive experience in long-term care policy and her work at the
state and community level will allow us to develop policy that will
improve the lives of all seniors in America."
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