Introducing Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of NCOA
Ramsey Alwin became President and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in September 2020, returning to the organization where she previously worked as Vice President of Economic Security. She leads NCOA's mission to improve the health and economic security of vulnerable older adults, building on the organization's 75-year history. Alwin is committed to ensuring older adults can age with dignity and purpose through strategic initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and advocate for policy changes.
Alwin's Background and Expertise
Ramsey Alwin's career has focused on enhancing the well-being of older adults. Before her current role at NCOA, she led financial resilience efforts at AARP and previously managed federal grants and developed economic assistance models at NCOA. She has worked on significant policy initiatives, including developing a new measure of economic security for older adults that considers healthcare costs. Alwin has also collaborated with various stakeholders, including government officials and corporate leaders, and served on the World Economic Forum's Longevity Economy Steering Committee.
NCOA's Mission and Leadership
NCOA, under Ramsey Alwin, aims to improve the health and economic security of 40 million older adults by 2030. The organization pursues this goal by empowering older adults with resources, strengthening communities through partnerships, and advocating for federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
A Comparison of Senior Advocacy Organizations
Understanding NCOA's role is enhanced by comparing it to other organizations advocating for older adults.
| Feature | National Council on Aging (NCOA) | AARP | Alliance for Retired Americans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Primarily focused on health and economic security for vulnerable, low-income seniors. | A broader-focused organization that addresses needs and interests of all persons 50 and older. | Dedicated to ensuring social and economic justice for citizens so they may enjoy lives of dignity. |
| Membership | Connects with thousands of national and local partners. | A membership organization with millions of members. | A membership organization that focuses on retirees' well-being and rights. |
| Approach | Combines on-the-ground service with policy advocacy to inform change. | Engages in extensive public policy advocacy, lobbying, and provides consumer resources. | Utilizes advocacy, education, and grassroots efforts to protect and promote the interests of older adults. |
Ramsey Alwin's Vision for Equitable Aging
Ramsey Alwin is dedicated to equitable aging, focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations like women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and low-income older adults. Her work addresses systemic issues causing disparities in aging outcomes by focusing on senior poverty, financial security through tools like Benefits CheckUp, and promoting healthy aging initiatives.
Conclusion
Ramsey Alwin's leadership as President and CEO is vital to the National Council on Aging's mission. Her expertise and commitment to equitable aging guide NCOA's efforts to support vulnerable older adults through advocacy, community partnerships, and empowerment programs. Her vision aims to create a society where all individuals can age with health and economic security. You can find more information about NCOA's work and leadership on their official website: https://www.ncoa.org.
