Staff
Melanie Benjamin
Philanthropy Director
Melanie guides our philanthropy program, working to ensure we have the resources necessary to provide healthy aging programs to our community both today and in the future. She has more than 25 years of successful philanthropy leadership at organizations that include SMU, UVA, and The Center for Open Science, and is part of The Center's leadership team.
Danielle Bricker
Marketing Manager
Danielle develops, implements, and executes strategic marketing initiatives to expand awareness of Center resources and the benefits of healthy aging.
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 also oversees our rental program and 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 Assistant Director
Lynn helps individuals and corporations match their philanthropic goals with Center needs. She also works with volunteers to manage special events that advance our mission.
Linda Hahn
Travel Coordinator
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.
Liz Howard
Program Coordinator
Liz is part of the programming team that develops and coordinates the many programs available to Center and community members.
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.
Alexandra Littlehales
Graphics and Social Media Coordinator
Through design and production of print and digital communications Alexandra brings The Center’s brand to life to inform and engage a broad range of audiences.
Gale Jackson
Welcome Desk Associate
Gale welcomes people to evenings at The Center, providing support for members and guests.
Kari Kice
Rental Coordinator
If you are looking for space for a wedding, meeting, party, or other event, Kari can help!
Izzy Menchero
Member & Visitor Services Director
As a resource and advocate for members and guests, Izzy fosters positive and responsive relationships to enhance engagement with and access to The Center's healthy aging programs.
Carolyn Merrick
Program Coordinator
As a program coordinator, Carolyn plans and implements both online and on-site programs to meet the needs of The Center community.
Susan Miller
Member & Visitor Services Coordinator
As a primary point of contact for members and guests, Susan helps them get the most out of The Center and helps create a welcoming environment at the Welcome Desk.
Virginia Peale
Strategy & Communications Director
Virginia works to promote awareness of the organization and supports philanthropy, membership, and programs with print and digital communications from advertising to annual reports. She is also part of the leadership team that collaborates on special projects and strategic planning development.
Trevor Saunders
Facilities Manager
As our Facilities Manager, Trevor oversees the maintenance of the building, its systems, and its grounds, ensuring that things look good and run smoothly.
Kim Shipley
Finance Director
Kim oversees the financial operations 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.
Kiri Soprano
Philanthropy Coordinator
Kiri is part of our philanthropy team. She provides support for all fund development, including donor correspondence and event logistics.
Peter Thompson
Executive Director
Peter joined The Center as executive director in 1999. He works in conjunction with the Board of Directors to maintain the integrity of the organization's mission and plans and represents The Center on community organization boards, committees, and task forces.
Laquanda Vest
Welcome Desk Associate
Laquanda is a terrific resource for members and visitors, answering questions, helping with program and membership registration, and more.
Alex Waltrip
Fitness Coordinator
Alex plans and teaches fitness classes where individuals can work at their own pace to reach their health and fitness goals.
Olivia Watts
Program Coordinator
As a program coordinator, Olivia helps our programming team develop and oversee a wide array of offerings for The Center community.
Board of Directors 2022-2023
Officers
Christine Thalwitz
President
Director of Communications, Madison House, Adjunct Faculty, PVCC
Larry Martin*
Vice President
CPA, Hantzmon Wiebel LLP
Patti Cary*
Treasurer
Partner in Advisory Risk Management, KPMG (ret.)
Mary Wilson*
Secretary
District Manager for Child Support, Commonwealth of VA (ret.)
Directors
Beverly Adams*
Associate Professor, Emeritus, Psychology Department, University of Virginia
Dan Brody
President, Health Data Services, Inc.
Mark Brown
CFO, Whirlpool Coporation (ret.)
Katie Caverly*
Owner, IKOR of Charlottesville
Julie Christopher
Board Member of Piedmont CASA
Sean Greer
CEO, Trove Home Care
Joyce Turner Lewis*
Guidance Counselor, Albemarle County Public Schools (ret.)
Deidra Massie
Vice President Marketing, Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge
Steve Peters*
Officer, US Navy (ret.)
Peggy Slez*
Council President, Attorney (ret.)
Shareef Tahboub
President of Park Street Senior Living, and Development Director of Assisted Living/Memory Care/Independent Living Communities
Bill Tucker
Founding Partner, Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C.
* Center member
Board of Directors meetings are generally held the fourth Monday of every odd month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.