Carlson has held leadership roles at the Ohio
Department of Aging and
The Ohio
State University Office of Health Sciences
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Jenny Carlson, a seasoned leader with over
three decades of experience in federal and state government and
education, has been named State Director for AARP in Ohio, effective immediately, announced
Sarah Jennings, AARP Regional Vice
President.
"Jenny is a proven leader in the areas most important to the
work we do at AARP—social services, health care, and government,"
Jennings said. "She brings to this role deep expertise and strong
relationships that are essential to achieving our goals. Her
leadership will help us live up to the promises we make to AARP
Ohio members and advocating effectively on their behalf."
In her new role, Carlson will oversee AARP Ohio's advocacy,
communications, and community outreach work to 1.5 million members
across the state. She will lead a dedicated team of staff and
volunteers committed to improving the lives of older Ohioans.
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to join the AARP team in
Ohio," Carlson said. "Advocating
for the most vulnerable citizens, driving policy and advancing
programs that make Ohio a great
place to live, work, and age has been a constant in my
career. Caregiving, housing and health security, financial
resilience, and personal fulfillment for older Ohioans are top
priorities. My experience as a family caregiver has reinforced my
dedication to AARP's mission and strengthened my resolve to
advocate for policies supporting older adults and their
families."
Carlson most recently was the Assistant Director of the Ohio
Department of Aging, where she managed operations and developed and
oversaw innovative policy and programs to improve the health,
wellness and safety of older Ohioans. Prior to that, she was
Associate Vice President for Government Affairs at The Ohio State University Office of Health Sciences. In
this role, she managed policy and government relations for the
health system, including Wexner Medical Center, the Arthur G. James
Cancer Hospital and the Richard J. Solove Research Institute, seven
health science colleges, and health-related research centers.
Early in her career, Carlson was Chief of Staff to former Ohio
Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor. In this
role, she also served as executive assistant over five cabinet
agencies for former Ohio Gov.
Bob Taft. She was Executive Director
of Ohio's first Blue Ribbon
Commission to Reform Medicaid, and she was Director of Federal
Relations and Health Policy for former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery. Further, she worked for
former state Senator Karen Gillmor
and Congressman Paul Gillmor.
"Jenny was a tremendous asset to the Ohio Department of Aging as
our assistant director, and I know she will continue to bring her
wealth of knowledge and a strong compassion for Ohio's aging population to this new role with
AARP Ohio," said Ursel McElroy,
Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. "Her career has been
dedicated to serving Ohioans, and that dedication will shine
through in everything she does for AARP."
A graduate of The Ohio State
University with a bachelor's degree in business, Carlson
serves on multiple nonprofit boards. She resides in Blacklick, Ohio, with her husband and mother,
and has two adult children.
About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live
as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens
communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than
100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and
financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces
the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine
and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/,
http://www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and
@AARPadvocates on social media.
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SOURCE AARP Ohio