WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the leading nonprofit service and advocacy organization for older Americans, today announces the addition of Dr. Richard Birkel of Washington, DC, as Vice President and Director of the Self-Care Management Alliance. In addition, NCOA has added Dr. Brian Hofland of Washington, DC, as its Director of Strategic Collaboration.

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Richard Birkel, Ph.D., has been a public health activist and an advocate for families living with chronic illness and disability for more than 30 years. He is a national expert on long-term care, family caregiving, and the implementation of evidence-based practices in health and mental health systems.  

Dr. Birkel will lead NCOA's Self-Care Management Alliance, which brings together business, nonprofit, and government leaders to develop self-management tools for millions of older adults, so they can play an active role in improving their own health.

Prior to coming to NCOA, Birkel served as Chief Executive of the Rosalynn Carter Institute and held the Pope Distinguished Chair in Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University. Birkel received his B.A. from Yale and a Masters in Public Administration and Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Virginia.

Dr. Brian Hofland will work with senior leaders to develop strategies for effectively engaging government, philanthropy, and business in working with NCOA and its community partners to improve the health and economic security of millions of disadvantaged and vulnerable older adults.  

He previously served as Director of Economic Justice at the AARP Foundation and Director of International Aging Programs at the Atlantic Philanthropies. Hofland holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Health and Human Development from the Pennsylvania State University.  

"Rick and Brian bring great passion, leadership skills and experience to NCOA," said Jim Firman, president and CEO. "They both excel in partnership development with government, foundations, and corporations and are experts in scaling evidence-based programs that help all older adults.  We are very excited to have them on board to help us further our mission and to achieve much greater social impact."

About NCOA  
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.NCOA.org | www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

SOURCE National Council on Aging

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