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Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
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simona.combi@ncoa.org

Arlington, VA (February 15, 2022)—The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, has named Brenda Sulick, PhD, as its new Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.

“Brenda’s passion for advocating on behalf of older adults makes her a perfect fit for NCOA, especially as Congress debates changes to bedrock retirement programs like Social Security and Medicare,” said Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO. “With a rapidly aging population, we must ensure our public policies respond to the real disparities that keep too many older adults from having the resources to age well.”

Prior to joining NCOA, Sulick was Vice President of Public, Government, and Community Affairs at SCAN Health Plan. Her 20 years of experience advocating for vulnerable older adults and their families include leadership positions at AARP, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and the Alzheimer's Association.

I’m proud to join NCOA to help build support for programs that older adults rely on to age with dignity,” said Sulick. “We must strengthen programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act for future generations, too, so no one has to worry about having a good quality of life.”

Sulick will lead efforts to advance NCOA’s Public Policy Positions, which reflect the intricate link between health and wealth throughout our lifetimes, especially as we age. The positions outline where NCOA stands on issues related to access to benefits, health and independence, and income security and workforce supports.

“NCOA was the first national voice for older Americans, and our on-the-ground service enables us to advocate for programs and policies we know make a real difference,” Sulick said. “From the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicare low-income assistance programs to caregiver tax credits, health promotion, and job training, we know what works.”

In 2022, Sulick was named a Carol Emmott Foundation Women in Health Care Leadership Fellow. She was also a national recipient of the John Heinz Senate Fellowship in Aging. Sulick has a PhD in Public Administration and Policy from Portland State University, an MA in Public Policy/Gerontology from George Washington University, and a BA in Political Science from York College.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more by following us at @NCOAging.