Sharon Lewis Named to Top Advisory Post in AARP New York

Communications Executive Joins AARP to Guide Efforts on Behalf of 2.5 Million Members in NY State

NEW YORK, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP New York is proud to announce the appointment of Sharon Lewis to its Executive Council, the organization's volunteer advisory body for New York State.  Lewis will play a key role in AARP's strategic planning activities, as well as assist with a variety of advocacy, communications and community outreach work in the state. As part of the Executive Council, Lewis will serve in an advisory role to set state priorities and represent AARP's 2.5 million members and more than 5,000 volunteers in New York State. 

"AARP New York is pleased to have Sharon Lewis join our Executive Council.  Her background in business and communications will be an asset to AARP," said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director.  "Sharon will play a crucial role in helping to identify and connect on those issues that matter to our members across New York."

Currently an independent consultant specializing in Marketing and Communication Strategies, Lewis' background spans many first-of-kind program launches across numerous industry categories, with an expertise in applying market research and data analytics to the development of customer and employee engagement programs.  Lewis currently serves on the leadership team of the Financial Women's Association (FWA) where she is a co-chair of the Membership Committee and responsible for membership events.

Lewis will also be a featured blogger for AARP New York, focusing on crucial boomers issues like finding the right job, re-careering, and staying healthy, she'll also be active in connecting with members on social media.  Lewis' blog can be found on AARP NY's website, her articles will also be posted to her Twitter account: @sharonlewisnyc. or follow her  on Twitter.

"Sharon brings a critical understanding of the issues New York boomers are dealing with, both in the workplace and on the home front," added Finkel.  "We're looking forward to adding her voice to our social media and strategic communications efforts to better connect with our members and New York's 50+ population."

Lewis' early career included working for Citibank, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's; all involved understanding the customer, the marketplace, and developing competitive programs that would create new customer relationships.  For many years, Sharon has been a coach, mentor and judge for the NYU Business Plan Competition at the Berkeley Entrepreneurial Center. She has also been on the Caring Commission of the UJA Aging Task Force where her role included the design and review of grant proposals. A Management Assistance Program Assignment at UJA resulted in the writing of a business plan for the Riverdale YM-YWHA  and a seat on the Executive Search Committee for the agency's Executive Director .

Sharon completed her B.S. and MBA from the New York University School of Business Administration.  A native New Yorker, she spent recent years in Toronto and Northern Virginia.

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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 over 35.1 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