Bill Novelli Timeline

2001

William D. Novelli becomes AARP’s seventh chief executive on June 4, succeeding Horace B. Deets, who led the organization for 13 years. Membership is 35 million; annual revenue is $595 million.

Launches Best Employers for Workers Over 50 program.

2003

Endorses Medicare Modernization Act, which creates Medicare’s Part D program for prescription drug coverage.

2004

Launches prescription-drug affordability campaign and Rx Watchdog to track drug prices.

Launches Voices of Civil Rights project and publishes My Soul Looks Back in Wonder, first book released as part of new partnership with Sterling Publishing Co.

Cosponsors presidential and vice presidential debates.

2005

Leads nationwide campaign to block Bush administration’s attempt to carve private accounts out of Social Security.

Releases landmark study conducted for AARP by Towers Perrin, The Business Case for Workers Age 50+, which documents economic advantage of hiring older workers.

2006

Conducts successful national election campaign: “DON’T VOTE … until you know how they stand on the issues.”

Expands state operations that successfully block tax and budget caps plans in 2006, leads aggressive effort to overhaul California’s health care system in 2007 and joins successful California campaign in 2008 that creates new citizen-controlled redistricting process for state legislative districts.

Holds Movies for Grownups Awards luncheon in Hollywood.

2007

Launches “Divided We Fail” campaign with Business Roundtable and Service Employees International Union to demonstrate that organizations with decidedly different views can work together to ensure that Americans have access to affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security. Sponsors several presidential debates during 2007-08 campaign.

2008

Celebrates AARP’s 50th anniversary.

Premieres two new AARP television programs on RLTV:  My Generation (lifestyle program) and Inside E Street (public affairs program).

Launches online AARP Bulletin Today.

2009

Novelli announces resignation in March. Membership exceeds 40 million; annual revenue exceeds $1.1 billion.