Mid-East Area Agency on Aging To Get New Head

The Mid-East Area Agency on Aging (MEAAA), which annually provides programs and services for more than 40,000 older adults and their families in four area counties, announced the retirement of Executive Director Mary Schaefer, effective March 30, 2018. Lisa Knoll, who currently serves as MEAAA’s chief operating officer, was selected to succeed Schaefer following an extensive search process.

“During my 31 years with MEAAA, I am proud that we have been able to enrich the lives of so many seniors through our programs and services,” Schaefer said. “The St. Louis area has the eighth highest percentage of older people in the country, and the number of seniors here is expected to double by 2030. Programs like ours, therefore, are essential if we are to meet the growing needs of so many of our neighbors.”

Schaefer joined MEAAA in 1986 as director of planning and development and was named executive director in 2002. Under her leadership, the agency has provided a wide range of programs, including the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP), a disease prevention/health promotion program, an annual Senior Fair, and the MEAAA Silver Haired Legislature program, as well as other programs. Most notable has been the growth of MEAAA’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides daily nutritious meals to more than 2,500 homebound seniors in St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin Counties.

“Programs like Meals on Wheels make it possible for seniors who homebound or live alone to remain in their own homes,” she explained. “Our volunteers do more than deliver a meals; they offer daily check to ensure that these seniors are safe and do not require any additional help.”

Schaefer is past chairman and currently a Steering Committee member of the Breakthrough Coalition, a membership organization of aging service providers and individuals committed to enhancing the quality of life for older adults within the area through education, advocacy, networking and resource sharing. She is also past president of Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and she serves on the advisory board for the St. Louis College of Pharmacy Office of Research and Aging, the board of the St. Louis County Emergency Operations Commission, and the St. Louis County Workforce Investment Board.

As chief operating officer, Lisa Knoll has led efforts related to program innovation, agency reorganization and major funding diversification. Several recent initiatives have led to agency recognition at the local, state and national levels. Knoll has spoken at peer conferences sharing best practices and contributed to publications on those same topics. She joined MEAAA in 2004 after working as a licensed CPA, and she earned a master’s degree in social work from the Brown School at Washington University.

“It is a distinct honor to be chosen to lead this important agency,” Knoll said. “I share Mary’s dedication to the work of the aging network and I am eager to share my experience, skills and vision for success with all MEAAA partners and stakeholders.”

Knoll will oversee a staff of 132 employees and a network of 21 senior centers located throughout the four counties in MEAAA’s service area. The centers serve as social gathering places, where seniors can interact with others, engage in educational and productive activities, and have a nutritious meal.

“Our goal is to help them avoid the isolation problems that too many older adults face when living alone,” noted Knoll. “In addition, they can access information and education on everything from Medicare to rental contracts. They can participate in health and wellness programing designed specifically for older adults. They will have opportunities to remain active, engaged, productive, independent and important members of our community.”

About MEAAA

Founded in 1973, the Mid-east Area Agency on Aging is the area’s leading source for unbiased and comprehensive information on local senior services to help people find senior housing, benefits information, transportation, caregiver services and much more. MEAAA also provides supportive services through its 21 senior centers in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson Counties. Persons age 60 and over and their caregivers, may access a wide range of programming, from assistance with Medicare and health insurance questions, to exercise and social opportunities, transportation services, energy and legal assistance, disaster preparedness and assistance with acquiring medical equipment and supplies. MEAAA also serves as a Marketplace Navigator for the Affordable Care Act, providing assistance with selecting a health plan or completing an application for all ages.

Those interested in providing support or volunteering should contact MEAAA at 636- 207-1323 or www.agingmissouri.org.

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