AARP Montana Appoints New State President

By: State: Montana | Source: AARP.org

AARP Montana has appointed Joy Bruck as State President—the highest state-level volunteer position within the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. AARP has more than 165,000 members statewide and more than 40 million members nationwide.

Bruck, a Helena resident, will lead the AARP Montana volunteer Executive Council and work to achieve AARP's vision, mission and strategic priorities in the state. She will also promote AARP Montana's role in Divided We Fail, a national effort designed to engage the American public and elected officials in finding bipartisan solutions that ensure affordable quality health care and long-term financial security for everyone.

Bruck, who is retired after serving 11 years as an administrative assistant for Plymouth Congregational Church, has been an AARP member for 15 years. Prior to her appointment, Bruck served on the state's executive council for a number of years and was the Chair of AARP's Capitol City Task Force, which represents AARP Montana's interests at the state Legislature.

Bruck's extensive volunteer experience also includes serving as State President for the League of Women Voters in Montana and 19 years serving as a lobbyist for the League. She was appointed to the State President position by AARP Montana State Director Bob Bartholomew.

"I'm delighted that Joy Bruck has agreed to lead the AARP Montana Executive Council," said Bartholomew. "The Executive Council is of crucial importance to Montanan's 50-plus population—it does the work behind the scenes to implement our mission of enhancing the quality of life for Montanans as we age. I am sure Joy will do a phenomenal job."

"During my entire career, I served in positions committed to social concerns and public service. This appointment represents a culmination of that work," said Bruck. "It is both an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to lead AARP Montana's Executive Council. I look forward to engaging and energizing volunteers to carry out AARP's vision, mission and strategic priorities in the state."

Bruck's leadership experience also includes serving in the Navy as a Communications Supervisor. Bruck is a graduate of Carroll College and holds a baccalaureate degree in social work.

Bruck's appointment is effective immediately. She joins returning member Jim Higgins of Libby and new members Mike Hanshew of East Helena, Boni Braunbeck of Missoula and Karen Richardson of Somers. Bruck succeeds retired attorney Max Logan of Bozeman as AARP Montana Volunteer State President.

"I have witnessed firsthand the positive difference that people can make when they come together," Bruck concluded. "Through the years I have always been deeply involved in the community, working with others to make our common lives better. It was that sense of community service that brought me to AARP."