2024 Programs of Excellence Series - Modernization
-
Register
- Learner - Free!
Every year NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers honors outstanding efforts made by senior centers across the nation to offer innovative, creative, and impactful programs for older adults. Each program is proof of the important work that happens at senior centers. And these programs serve as models for senior center staff across the country to implement in their communities. Join us for our Programs of Excellence webinar series where we highlight each category with a presentation by a subject matter expert and the winning programs.
Kris Kelly
Director of Partnerships
San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
Kristoffer Kelly is a third-generation San Diegan with over 15 years of experience in TV, media, event production, and nonprofit leadership. His grandparents played a significant role in shaping his respect for elders, inspiring his dedication to making San Diego a better place for seniors to age. Continuing his family's legacy of building a stronger community in San Diego, Kristoffer has contributed through philanthropy, including co-hosting the Sanford Burnham Prebys Institute’s "Bring It!" event. He has raised funds for critical causes such as melanoma research, Rady Children’s Hospital, Oncology and Kids, and Meals on Wheels San Diego to name a few.
A Rotarian and graduate of LEAD San Diego’s Impact class of 2020, Kristoffer was awarded the Herbert G. Klein Memorial Leadership Award and holds a BFA from Chapman University. He lives in San Diego with his wife and two young children. As Director of Development & Partnerships at the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, Kristoffer is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and making San Diego a model city for aging well.
Junne Esguerra
Program Manager
San Diego Seniors Community Foundation
Junne Esguerra is the Program Manager at the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, where she oversees the programs and initiatives, including grants administration, business development, and program operations. She also works diligently conducting intensive research on senior issues for advocacy reports. Her expertise is focused on improving the quality of life for older adults through impactful programming and community engagement.
Junne Esguerra is a dedicated professional with 20 years of experience in case management, program management, non-profit operations, contract/grant management, and developing collaborative partnerships.
Junne developed a strong commitment to serving her community stemming from volunteering with her mother at a local orphanage in the Philippines. She has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations through nonprofit social service organizations in San Diego County, focusing on seniors, at-risk youth, transitional-aged youth (TAY), individuals experiencing homelessness, and people living with disabilities.
Junne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, with a primary focus on sociology and a secondary focus on political science and history. She has also earned a Master' s in Public Administration.
Junne is bi-lingual in Tagalog and enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, traveling, the arts, and laughter.
Marilyn Jo Daily-Blair
Director
City of Salem / Center 50+
For the past 25 years, Marilyn has managed the staff, operations and long-term strategic planning of Center 50+ where they provide programs, activities and services to Salem's older adults, support to family caregivers, and serve as a resource to the community. Center 50+ was asked by the City of Salem leadership to take the lead on the Salem Age Friendly Initiative. After a rigorous one-year assessment process an action plan was created. This plan continues to serve as a guide in future planning for the Center, creation of new public and private partnerships and collaboratives, and provides a framework for us to continue to advocate for further progress in creating a community people can live for their lifetime. The development and growth of the Wellness on Wheels (Mobile Senior Center) is the results of our Age Friendly Initiative.
Jenny Macias
Director of Program Initiatives
Senior Friendship Centers
Jenny Macias serves as the Director of Program Initiatives at Senior Friendship Centers. With nearly three years of experience in this role, she manages the Senior Centers and Friendship at Home departments, focusing on reducing isolation and loneliness among seniors through a range of programs tailored to different audiences.
Jason Champion
President
Project Pride SRQ
Jason serves as the President of Project Pride SRQ and has been instrumental in recent Pride mergers, showcasing his strategic vision and dedication to collaboration. By bringing together different Pride organizations, he has helped create a stronger and more unified LGBTQ+ community locally.
Heather Marriott
Program Specialist, Center for Healthy Aging
National Council on Aging
Heather Marriott was brought on to NCOA as a Program Specialist managing the Vaccine Uptake Initiative and supporting the NISC Affiliate Network expansion. She is a community engagement professional with a passion for income equality and health equity! She comes to NCOA from a small local nonprofit in Missouri, where she worked as a Community Engagement Director.