PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Dr. Ken Phelps, chair of the Aroostook Agency on Aging Board of Directors, announced Aug. 2 that Joy Barresi Saucier will take over as the agency’s executive director as of Oct. 1, 2017, when Steve Farnham retires after nearly 43 years of distinguished service.
The search committee recommended Barresi Saucier to the full board of directors earlier this month after an extensive search that began in April. Barresi Saucier has an extensive educational background and has achieved several significant certifications and distinctions. She began her career as a registered nurse graduating from the University of Maine School of Nursing. She later received a graduate certificate in healthcare administration from the University of Maine School of Public Administration and a master of health administration degree from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. She is board certified in healthcare management and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Barresi Saucier has worked in both hospitals and community settings with progressive responsibility, including patient care, community education, fundraising and project management. In her most recent role as vice president of strategy and community benefit at The Aroostook Medical Center, she served in areas such as strategic planning, analytics, advocacy, communications, business development, philanthropy and community benefit.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to have attracted someone of Joy’s caliber to our executive director position,” stated Phelps. “Joy is passionate about advancing the well-being and quality of life of our older people and disabled adults in Northern Maine, and her educational background and her varied professional experience will serve us extremely well.”
Barresi Saucier commented, “The agency has a long, successful history of helping older adults in our region remain independent as long as possible. It will be a privilege to lead the organization as it continues this tradition.
“The needs in Aroostook are many and are ever changing,” she said. “Over the coming years, we will need to adapt and develop our communities’ resources to ensure our older adults are able to remain active, healthy, and engaged. I am excited to be part of this effort.”
Barresi Saucier is past president of the Presque Isle Rotary Club and currently serves as the District 7810 Foundation Committee chair. An alumna of Leadership Maine (Phi Class), she serves on the board of directors for The County Federal Credit Union and the Aroostook Partnership, and is a founding member of Empower Aroostook, a group committed to empowering individuals to connect with Aroostook.
A nonprofit serving The County since 1972, the Aroostook Agency on Aging’s mission is to improve the quality of life, maximize the independence and promote the well-being of older people in northern Maine. It offers programs and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities focused on food assistance, transportation, elder care, caregiver support and health insurance counseling.
For more information, contact the agency at (207) 764-3396, 1 (800) 439-1789 or www.aroostookaging.org.
