2025 Programs of Excellence - Social & Support Services

Heather Marriott is aProgram Specialist at NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging. She joined the team in 2022to manage the ACL funded Vaccine Uptake Initiative. Heather provides TechnicalAssistance to grantees through the Chronic Disease Self-Management and FallsPrevention Resource Centers, as well as the Falls Innovation Lab. She also worksto expand and engage NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers. Heather cameto NCOA from a local transportation advocacy organization back home inMissouri, where she served as the Community Engagement Director, leading theorganizations community-based initiatives.

Jacqueline Lofton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University. She is also a certified Life Coach through the Transformation Academy.  She currently serves as the Liberty Senior Center Director for Baltimore County Department of Aging where her primary role is to facilitate community partnerships in the effort to provide seniors with engaging programming, health & wellness opportunities, as well as social support.

After spending more than 20 years working in the for-profit educational system as an instructor and program chair, Jackie found her calling when she decided to take the path of supporting non-profit organizations. Jackie’s advancement in the programming and services at Woodlawn Senior Center resulted in $4.6 million renovations and expansion of the center. Jackie supports the LGBTQIA community through various volunteer efforts, fundraisers and educational workshops. Jackie has had the opportunity to help many to repair relationships, find their joy & self-worth, and focus on career goals. 

Jackie’s most rewarding accomplishment is possessing a passion for cultivating a community that protects, empowers, educates and celebrates Black Women & Seniors. Each career move that she makes is in the efforts of diversifying agencies and providing knowledge of what services are needed in the Black Community.

Michelle Barrett serves as Cary’s first Program Manager for Seniors and Aging, leading the town’s efforts to support a rapidly expanding senior population. She began her career as an employment law attorney in Chicago before dedicating many years to advocating for children in foster care. Since stepping into her role in Cary two years ago, Michelle has focused on building innovative community partnerships and strengthening resources that enhance the well‑being, independence, and quality of life for older adults across the community.

Vicki has worked as a Center Aide at the Cary Senior Center for over three years, where connecting with and supporting our senior community has been the highlight of her role. Even after retiring from her earlier career, staying engaged and contributing to meaningful work has always energized her.

Vicki's background includes roles in communications at the University of Maryland, member services and board support with the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, leadership of a 100‑member volunteer group, eleven years running my own business, and more than a decade in the pharmaceutical industry.

Throughout every chapter, communication, collaboration, and service have guided Vicki. Seeing how challenging it can be for seniors to form new friendships—and how deeply connection affects well‑being—inspired me to create Speed Friending. she's proud to see it thriving and expanding into other communities.