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Susan Adams
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Advisory Board on Aging
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am energized by solving problems and taking on challenges. With over 1 person turning 50
every second due to the dramatic achievements in public health, Orange County is poised to see
a 67% increase in persons over 65 and a 43% increase in persons over 85 in the next 10
years. This trend continues through 2030 when persons over 65 will again increase by 42% and
over 85 by 70%. Orange county is a leader in serving its senior population and I want to
contribute to preparing and meeting these needs throughout the next 20 years.
Although I worked as a chemical engineer for 15 years, I recently returned to school to get a BA
in Multidisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on social sciences and the Socio-Ecological Model
which shows that the health of an individual is based not just on the person but withing the
greater context of his relationships, his community and his society. Because of my interest in the
aging process, I am currently completing a Masters in Gerontology from the University of
Southern California. Through this program I have been able to receive the training and tools that
will aid me in pursuing my goal of improving the disparity in the aging experience between the
different economic classes. The research area where I am basing my concentration consists of
early depression intervention for the home caregiver. Many home caregivers are thrust into their
duties with little to no training and as more residents, especially in the rural areas, are deciding
to age in place there will be a need for increased programs to address the adult child or
spousal caregiver, many of whom are over 50.
I am excited to be beginning this new phase of my life as I turn 50, and consider myself to be a
life-long learner who believes that we are all part of something larger and there is purpose to all
our lives. My belief system influences all I do and I value responsibility and high ethical
standards. I believe that the strategic methods of problem solving I utilized as an engineer
allows me to find and evaluate alternatives and seek innovative ways to get things done. I
believe in community involvement as I was a member of the School Improvement Team (SIT)
committee for McDougle Middle School for 2 years, worked as a volunteer at the Chapel Hill
Museum for 3 years, and have been a member of the MAC -Mandarin Advisory Council for the
dual language program in CHCCS since it began and my daughter has been part of the program
for the past 8 years. As my children are growing up and moving on to new goals, I feel that I too
must focus my time and energies on the future.
I appreciate your time in considering me for this position.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Conflict of Interest:
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am graduating with my Masters of Arts in Gerontology in May 2014 from the University of
Southern California. My BS is multi disciplinary in psychology and public health. My
concentration of study is in environmental interventions to decrease agitation in persons with
dementia. I currently volunteer at Galloway Ridge and care part time for my elderly parents who
I relocated to Chatham County in 2008.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Conflict of Interest:
Supplemental Questions: