Joan Parrott-Fonseca Appointed State Director of AARP New York

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP has announced the selection of Joan Parrott-Fonseca as the new director for its New York office.  In this position, she will lead the development and delivery of the organization's community programs, advocacy, and information for its 2.5 million members age 50+ across the state.  

Ms. Parrott-Fonseca begins her position as AARP NY state director on February 21, replacing the outgoing director, Lois Aronstein, who is retiring this month.  She will direct operations for the organization's three staffed offices -- the main office in Manhattan where she will be based, a legislative office in Albany, and a satellite office in Rochester -- as well as through an extensive network of 5,000 volunteers statewide.

Ms. Parrott-Fonseca has a noteworthy background in all levels of government, academia, and the private sector with a focus on human services and economic development in communities of need.  In her work, she has spoken nationally and internationally on these areas as well as demographic trends and global diversity. 

"Joan Parrott-Fonseca brings an outstanding background and a keen understanding of how we can empower people 50+ to take charge of their lives and make a difference where they live," said Nancy LeaMond, Executive Vice President of the AARP State and National Group.  "Her passion for strengthening the economic well-being of families and helping communities prosper will help us deliver positive change to the lives of millions of 50+ New Yorkers and their families.  We are thrilled that she is taking on the position of AARP's New York State Director."

Ms. Parrott-Fonseca was professor of Public Administration and former Dean of the School of Business at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York before accepting her appointment with AARP.  Prior to joining Medgar Evers College, Ms. Parrott-Fonseca was President of JPF & Associates in Washington, D.C., a consultant service specializing in business development, brand enhancement, and multicultural marketing.  During that time, she was a trustee of the District of Columbia Retirement Board which provided oversight for the management of its $3 billion pension fund for retired teachers, police and firemen.

On a national level, Ms. Parrott-Fonseca was the first woman to serve as Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce from 1995-1997, where she administered the agency's national programs and its $66 million budget.  During her tenure at MBDA, she managed over 100 business development centers throughout the country that provided education and technical assistance to a diverse population of businesses.

While living in Washington, D.C., she has also served as director of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs for the District of Columbia. 

In New York State, she was Director of Business Services for the NYS Department of Minority and Women Owned Businesses and Director of the Office of Economic Development and Compliance with the Department of Transportation in Albany.    

"Our society is coming to terms with new realities that are changing the way we look at growing older and the choices we have about our futures," said Ms. Parrott-Fonseca.  "I am excited to join AARP as we take on this opportunity to create a new paradigm for living in the 21st century and develop solutions that guarantee a secure future for 50+ New Yorkers."

Ms. Parrott-Fonseca has served on the Women's Leadership Board of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, a body of distinguished leaders dedicated to the advancement of women and girls around the world.  She has a BA from Howard University, an MA from George Washington University, a JD from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University.  She also has a Certificate for Fundamentals of Money Management from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Parrott-Fonseca is a native New Yorker and resides there with her family.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP New York State