Jen Blatz Named Associate State Director for Community Outreach for AARP in SW PA

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Nov 21, 2016, 02:54 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, today announced the appointment of Jen Blatz to the position of Associate State Director for Community Outreach for Southwestern Pennsylvania.

In her new role Blatz will lead AARP's advocacy, community outreach and education work throughout the region and partner with elected officials, community-based organizations and the association's extensive network of local members and volunteers to fight for issues that matter to 50+ residents and their families. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly communities, and Blatz will work with local officials and partner organizations to adopt safe walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities.

Jen Blatz most recently served as owner and founding partner of the Pittsburgh-based November Group, the state's first woman-owned full service political consulting firm. She previously worked as a researcher and union organizer in Massachusetts, Illinois and Wisconsin before joining the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO in 2012. She began her career in higher education administration, including serving on the staff of the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University.

"Jen Blatz is an experienced local advocate with a strong background in public affairs, community organizing and volunteer development," said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director. "She will help AARP expand its presence, impact and relevance in the region and turn the goals and dreams of 50+ residents and their families into real possibilities."

Blatz is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and holds a Master of Higher Education Administration degree from Boston University. She lives in Pittsburgh.

About AARP

AARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. Follow AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AARPPA and on Twitter @AARPPA.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

CONTACT: Steve Gardner, AARP PA
(717) 237-6481 or [email protected]

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania