Another First for the First State
Source: AARP.org | April 23, 2004
We have another first for the First State! Richard (Dick) Johnson of Wilmington has been elected to serve as a member of the AARP Board of Directors. Johnson is one of seven new board members elected to six-year terms at the board's meeting in early February.
Johnson began his "tour of duty" at a swearing-in ceremony at the Association's National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC on April 29.
Johnson has been actively involved with AARP for over 13 years. Until his new appointment, he served as AARP Delaware's Executive Council Advocacy Volunteer and played a key role in the state's strategic planning activities.
As former AARP Delaware state president (the first) and leader of the former State Leadership Council (another first), Johnson served as spokesperson for AARP's issues and created strong working relationships with the state Legislature, the Attorney General's office and the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities. He has been instrumental in working to advance nursing home reform, prevention of telemarketing fraud and manufactured housing protections legislation.
In 2001, Johnson was named AARP Delaware's Volunteer Leader of the Year for his successful work with House Bill 84, which created the Delaware Money Management Program, providing seniors in need with volunteer assistance in paying bills, managing budgets and ensuring their financial independence.
In addition to his work with AARP, Johnson continues to serve on the board of directors of the Delaware Helpline and previously served as a board member for the Wilmington Central YMCA. He also served on several steering committees and task forces to help ensure the protection of seniors in Delaware, including the Attorney General's Senior Victims Task Force, the Adult Protective Services Advisory Council and the Medicare Fraud Patrol Steering Committee. For his activism, Johnson received the 2000 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award.
"Mr. Johnson brings to the board not only his extensive knowledge of senior issues, but valuable executive and management experience in the field of marketing," said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. "His position on Delaware's Executive Council has given him valuable, additional familiarity with the Association and its policies, practices and issues."
Prior to his retirement, Johnson was director of national accounts and district sales manager for the Monsanto Company.
Please join us in congratulating Johnson on his latest and greatest first for the First State!
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