Staff
Tammy Barboza
Philanthropy Assistant Director
Tammy helps individuals and corporations match their philanthropic goals with Center needs. She also works with volunteers to manage special events that advance our mission.
Melanie Benjamin
Executive Director
Melanie works in partnership with the Board of Directors to maintain the integrity of The Center's mission and planning and ensure a sustainable financial base for operations and growth. She also works in the community to build relationships and partnerships in support of healthy aging for all.
Danielle Bricker-Watts
Marketing Manager
Danielle develops, implements, and executes strategic marketing initiatives to expand awareness of Center resources and the benefits of healthy aging, supporting every facet of the organization.
Jennifer Crews
Program Director
As head of our program team, Jennifer ensures programs and operations are effective, efficient, and aligned with our mission and values. She is part of the leadership team responsible for organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.
Kristine Critzer
Office Manager/Bookkeeper
Kristine provides office and bookkeeping support to ensure The Center adheres to best practices for nonprofit business operations and reporting.
Lynn Divers
Philanthropy Director
Lynn directs fundraising activities, working to grow a program that cultivates, solicits, and stewards philanthropic support in alignment with The Center’s mission. She is part of the leadership team responsible for organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.
Linda Hahn
Travel Manager
Linda has been with the Center since 1999. A licensed travel agent, she oversees The Center's travel program as well as individual travel for members and guests.
Anna Grey Hogan
Philanthropy Manager
Anna Grey handles many of The Center's fundraising efforts, processing and reporting gifts and stewarding our generous community of supporters.
Bobbi Hughes
Coordinator of Volunteer Resources
Along with overseeing volunteer programs at The Center, Bobbi works with other nonprofits to provide volunteer resources, matching individuals with positions that suit their interests, skills, and talents.
Gale Jackson
Welcome Desk Associate
Gale welcomes people to evenings at The Center, providing support for members and guests.
Amy Martel
Membership Coordinator
Amy is a primary contact and resource for members and guests, helping ensure excellent customer service, communication, and engagement so that everyone’s Center experience is rewarding.
Suzanne Orejuela
Membership Director
Suzanne leads membership recruitment and engagements efforts to help as many people as possible enjoy healthy aging programs at The Center. She also participates in organizational-wide planning and decision-making as part of the leadership team.
Virginia Peale
Strategy & Communications Director
Virginia plays an integral role in the formation and implementation of planning and strategy, exploration of new opportunities for brand development, and internal and external communications. She is part of the leadership team responsible for organization-wide decision making.
Tim Persinger
Facilities Coordinator
With primary responsibility for day-to-day maintenance, repairs, and operation of building systems, Tim helps ensure an optimal environment for Center activities.
Jane Saltzman
Fitness Manager
Jane plans and implements fitness programs to meet the physical wellness needs of Center members.
Trevor Saunders
Operations Manager
As operations manager, Trevor oversees the maintenance of the building, its systems, and its grounds. He also focuses on sustainability and ensures efficient use of resources.
Kim Shipley
Finance Director
Kim oversees the financial processes necessary for The Center's successful operation. Along with budgeting, analysis, and reporting, she monitors financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant statutes and regulations.
Laura Steere
Program Manager
As part of our program team, Laura helps develop, coordinate, and evaluate a broad range of classes and events at The Center.
Olivia Watson
Program Manager
As a program manager, Olivia helps our programming team coordinate a wide array of offerings for The Center community.
Are you interested in working at The Center? Our open positions are listed here.
Board of Directors FY24
Officers
Julie Christopher*
President
Virginia Department of Aging, Commissioner (past)
Jennifer King*
Vice President
CEO and CCO, Chase Investment Counsel Corporation
Mark Brown*
Treasurer
CFO, Whirlpool Corporation (ret.)
Mary Wilson*
Secretary
District Manager for Child Support, Commonwealth of VA (ret.)
Directors
Beverly Adams*
Associate Professor, Emeritus, Psychology Department, University of Virginia
Patti Cary*
Partner in Advisory Risk Management, KPMG (ret.)
Katie Caverly*
Owner, IKOR of Charlottesville
Doris Gelbman*
Elder Law Attorney, Gelbman Law, PLLC
Michael Joyce
Partner and Private Wealth Advisor, Taylor Associates
Deidra Massie
Vice President Marketing, Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge
Amber Best Roberts
Chief Operations Officer & Co-founder, Commonwise Home Care
Peggy Slez*
Attorney (ret.)
Shareef Tahboub
President of Park Street Senior Living, and Development Director of Assisted Living/Memory Care/Independent Living Communities
Tori Terrell
Vice President of Finance, Design Electric
Cecil D. Thompson, Jr.*
Major, U.S. Army (ret.); Charlottesville City Schools, Coordinator of Support Services (ret.)
Gregory Winston*
Principal & Founder, Winston & Associates
* Center member
Board of Directors meetings are generally held the fourth Monday of every odd month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.