Leanne Clark-Shirley: The Current President and CEO
In a leadership transition announced in January 2024, the American Society on Aging (ASA) officially named Leanne Clark-Shirley, PhD, as its President and CEO. Before her appointment, Dr. Clark-Shirley served as the organization's Interim President & CEO. Her extensive experience in the field of gerontology and her prior work in nonprofit and academic environments make her a key figure in the aging sector.
Dr. Clark-Shirley's Professional Background
Leanne Clark-Shirley's professional journey reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of older adults. Her background includes nearly two decades of experience in aging-related fields.
- Prior to joining ASA, she held a significant position as a Senior Evaluation Advisor at AARP. In this role, she was responsible for strategic planning, capacity building for evaluation research, and implementing impact measurement expertise across the organization.
- Before her time at AARP, she led the Aging and Disability research practice at IMPAQ International, a prominent think-tank and policy research firm.
- Her academic qualifications include a doctorate in Gerontology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and she is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.
- In addition to her formal roles, she is an educator, teaching courses on policy and aging and mentoring students interested in careers within the aging sector.
Her multifaceted career, combining research, policy, and direct programmatic work, provides her with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing an aging society. This breadth of experience is crucial for leading an organization like the ASA, which serves a diverse, multidisciplinary membership.
The Role of the American Society on Aging
The American Society on Aging, founded in 1954, is a large professional association dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and skills of individuals who work with and on behalf of older adults. As a multidisciplinary organization, its members represent a wide array of fields, including practitioners, educators, administrators, and policymakers.
ASA's Core Mission and Activities
ASA's mission is to unite, empower, and champion everyone striving to improve aging. To achieve this, the organization engages in several key activities:
- Conferences and Education: ASA hosts major events, such as the annual "On Aging" conference, which serves as a vital platform for networking, sharing knowledge, and fostering innovation in the field. The On Aging Institute also provides online educational programs, workshops, and webinars for professional development.
- Publications: The organization produces publications like the quarterly journal Generations and the digital publication Generations Today, which cover contemporary issues in aging.
- Advocacy and Leadership: ASA is committed to combating ageism, promoting equity, and strengthening the aging sector. While it does not directly lobby, it provides a strong voice and advocates on critical systemic issues that influence how people age, such as health equity and digital inclusion. Programs like ASA RISE specifically focus on cultivating emerging leaders of color in the field.
Comparison: ASA vs. Related Organizations
| Feature | American Society on Aging (ASA) | USAging | American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) | American Sociological Association (ASA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Multidisciplinary professional association for all aspects of aging. | Association for Area Agencies on Aging, focusing on local services. | Professional society for physician anesthesiologists. | Academic association for sociologists. |
| Leadership | Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley (President and CEO). | Deborah Stone-Walls (Chief, Programs and Services). | Brian Reilly, MBA, CAE (CEO). | Shelley J. Correll, PhD (President). |
| Membership | Diverse group of aging professionals, educators, and administrators. | Primarily agencies on aging and related service providers. | Physician anesthesiologists. | Sociologists and researchers. |
| Primary Goal | Cultivate leadership and advance knowledge in aging. | Support local service providers for older adults. | Advance the science and practice of anesthesiology. | Promote sociology as a scientific discipline. |
| Key Activities | Conferences, publications, professional development, advocacy. | Member support, policy advocacy, resource development. | Education, advocacy, publication, practice resources. | Annual meeting, research publications, career services. |
Dr. Clark-Shirley's Vision for ASA
Dr. Clark-Shirley's leadership is focused on amplifying ASA's national reputation as a key convener and thought leader in the aging field. Her work is aligned with ASA's strategic focus on addressing issues of anti-ageism and promoting equity. A central part of her vision is to ensure that the field of aging is inclusive and representative of the nation's diversity, incorporating a wide range of voices and experiences. Her expertise in evaluation and policy gives her a strong foundation for guiding ASA's educational programs and strategic initiatives, ensuring they have a measurable impact on improving the lives of older adults.
Impact and Influence
Under Dr. Clark-Shirley's direction, ASA continues to build upon its long history of fostering professional development and leadership in aging services. By leading an organization dedicated to equity and inclusivity, she is positioned to guide the discourse on critical issues facing an increasingly diverse aging population. Her focus on research and data-driven approaches helps ASA remain a vital resource for professionals seeking to navigate complex policy landscapes and implement effective programs.
Conclusion
Dr. Leanne Clark-Shirley is the President and CEO of the American Society on Aging (ASA), bringing nearly two decades of experience in gerontology to the role. Her leadership focuses on strengthening ASA's position as a premier educational and advocacy organization in the aging sector, with a strong emphasis on equity, professional development, and combating ageism. Her background in policy, evaluation, and research provides a solid foundation for guiding ASA's strategic direction and enhancing its impact on behalf of older adults. The organization remains a critical resource for the thousands of professionals working to improve the quality of life for the nation's aging population. For more information on the American Society on Aging, its leadership, and its mission, visit its official website www.asaging.org.
