Roxanne Jenkins: The New Leader of Senior Community Services
On May 1, 2025, Roxanne Jenkins officially took the helm as the Chief Executive Officer of Senior Community Services (SCS). This appointment followed a careful selection process by the SCS Board of Directors, which sought a leader with extensive experience in the field of aging services. Jenkins brings a wealth of knowledge to the position, with more than three decades of experience dedicated to supporting older adults. Before joining SCS, she served as the Associate Vice President of Older Adult Services at Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota. Her career has been marked by a strong focus on developing programs and initiatives that enhance the well-being of seniors and their caregivers, focusing on caregiver wellness and nutrition.
A Seamless Leadership Transition
The transition to new leadership was managed to ensure continuity and growth for the organization. Outgoing CEO Deb Taylor officially retired on May 30, 2025, following a long and successful tenure with SCS. Taylor, who served as COO and CEO for nearly 17 years, oversaw significant expansion of the organization's services, reaching more seniors and caregivers throughout the Twin Cities area. In a statement, Taylor expressed her confidence in Jenkins' ability to lead the organization forward, citing Jenkins' skills, knowledge, and drive. This transition coincided with SCS's 75th anniversary, marking a new chapter for the established nonprofit.
The Mission of Senior Community Services
Senior Community Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering older adults to maintain their independence and remain connected to their communities. Its mission is realized through a variety of programs and services designed to support seniors as they age. The leadership change under Roxanne Jenkins is expected to build upon this legacy, ensuring the organization continues to adapt and meet the evolving needs of the aging population. Jenkins' personal mission aligns closely with SCS, focusing on fostering meaningful connections and advancing person-centered care.
Comparing Leadership Eras: Deb Taylor vs. Roxanne Jenkins
To understand the significance of the leadership change, it's helpful to compare the two CEOs and their respective eras. While both are dedicated to the mission of empowering seniors, their tenures represent different phases of the organization's history.
| Aspect | Deb Taylor (outgoing CEO) | Roxanne Jenkins (current CEO) |
|---|---|---|
| Tenure | Nearly 17 years as COO and CEO. | Began May 1, 2025. |
| Focus | Expanded service areas and grew the number of seniors served. | Builds on existing legacy, focuses on fostering meaningful connections and advancing person-centered care. |
| Prior Role | Served in a dual COO/CEO capacity for SCS. | Associate Vice President of Older Adult Services at Lutheran Social Services. |
| Legacy | Significant organizational growth and piloted new service models. | Brings fresh perspective and extensive industry experience to elevate the organization. |
| Transition | Retired, expressing confidence in successor. | Hired to lead the organization into its next phase of growth. |
Impact of the New Leadership on Senior Community Services
With Roxanne Jenkins' arrival, SCS is poised for continued innovation and growth. Her background at Lutheran Social Services, where she focused on developing targeted programs, suggests a new era of strategic initiatives aimed at specific needs within the senior community. The organization's 75th-anniversary celebration provided a fitting backdrop for the leadership change, highlighting SCS's long history while looking ahead to its future. For the thousands of older adults and caregivers served by SCS, the new leadership signifies a renewed commitment to its founding mission.
A Commitment to the Community
The mission to empower people as they age remains at the core of Senior Community Services' work. With offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota, SCS provides crucial services to the Twin Cities area, helping older adults maintain their independence and connect with their communities. Under Jenkins' leadership, the organization is expected to continue its tradition of compassionate service and community engagement. Jenkins' focus on advancing person-centered care and her long-standing dedication to the field of aging ensure that the organization's future direction will remain aligned with the needs of its constituents. The leadership change marks a moment of transition, but it is one grounded in a deep commitment to the community it serves. You can learn more about the organization's initiatives and new leadership by visiting the official Senior Community Services website.
Conclusion
In summary, Roxanne Jenkins is the new CEO of Senior Community Services, appointed in April 2025 to succeed the retiring Deb Taylor. The transition, which became effective on May 1, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Minnesota-based nonprofit as it continues its 75-year mission of empowering older adults. Jenkins brings over 30 years of experience in the field of aging, with a career dedicated to developing innovative and person-centered services. Her appointment ensures that SCS is well-positioned to continue its vital work of supporting seniors and caregivers for many years to come.
