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November 8, 2012

Getting seniors computer savvy computes with new Aging leader

By Konstantine Fekos Meadville Tribune

MEADVILLE — Crawford County senior citizens: Be prepared to get your computer skills sharpened. Active Aging Inc.’s newly appointed executive director, Krista Geer, knows how active and engaged in issues today’s senior citizens can be — and she’s preparing to bring the latest technology into their lives via local senior centers.

“I sincerely believe technology will really have a place in the future; seniors are embracing new technology every day,” said Geer, who was recently selected to assume leadership of the agency and Active Aging Foundation.

Geer introduced herself to members of the press at an informal conference Wednesday morning in the Lew Davies Community Building, mirroring the excitement of the attending board of directors.

“I’m really very excited to continue the tradition of excellence,” said Geer, who plans to maintain the institution’s integrity with personal values and more than 20 years of extensive experience in managerial senior care.

Geer most recently served Guardian Home and Community Services Inc. as executive director in addition to her time as director of planning and senior center operations with the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging, and 16 years of service to Helpmates Inc., according to Pamela Roberts, community services director of Active Aging.

“I’ve been involved in these kinds of programs since birth, it seems,” said Geer, who credited her mother with her early exposure and involvement. “Few people have that extensive experience prior to their actual career. It gave me a unique perspective on care management.”

“I’m very confident in Krista’s dedication and serious approach to senior care,” said Donna Stimpson, retiring CEO. “She brings a wealth of experience from a providing side as well as expertise in senior center processes.” Longtime leader Simpson will continue to guide the local senior program until January, when Geer takes over.

Active Aging may be a new agency to Geer, but she remained confident her principles will carry the agency through future progress based on an open-armed reception from her peers.

“I’ve never started anywhere that I’ve felt more welcome,” said Geer, who plans to relocate to Crawford County from her current residence in Sigel. “It’s such a tremendous staff and they’re wonderful people.”

While Geer has only spent about a week integrating into the agency and learning procedures, she addressed major issues and expressed further interest in the company’s machinations.

“My goal is to spend time with everyone,” Geer said. “I’m learning the role of each staff member. I’d like to know what they see.”

One of her biggest concerns is limited financial resources in the face of growing community need.

“The point is to make things better for people facing life-altering situations,” said Geer.

Active Aging, located at 1034 Park Ave., Meadville, has served persons over 60 years of age in Crawford county since 1974, offering services including home-delivered meals, personal care, education and recreation opportunities, emergency response systems and more to area residents.

The agency will host its 12th annual salute to area veterans at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, entitled “Through a Veteran’s Eye: A Salute,” which Geer will attend.

“We are absolutely moving forward with events in Active Aging,” she said, placing emphasis on her and her agency’s upcoming show of support for local veterans. “The more we can offer, the better.”



Konstantine Fekos can be reached at 724-6370 or by email at kfekos@meadvilletribune.com.

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