USAging Appoints LCOG SDS Director to Board of Directors

For Immediate Release

September 10, 2021

Contact: Laura Campbell, LCOG Public Information Officer, lcampbell@lcog.org, 541-682-4006

Eugene, Oregon — USAging announced the appointment of Emily Ann Farrell to the USAging Board of Directors, during its Membership Association meeting at its Annual Conference and Tradeshow. Farrell will represent Region X and serve as Co-Chair of the Conference Committee of the Board.

Farrell serves as the Director of the Senior and Disability Services Division and the Interim Director of the Government Services Division at Lane Council of Governments (LCOG). Prior to her work at LCOG, Farrell managed a successful law practice as a legal practitioner. She focused on start-up and existing business formation and transactions; real estate and contract negotiation; and assisting people through the aging process with estate planning, estate administration advice, and probate assistance.

Farrell continues to dedicate her time, energy, and passion to her community. Her passion is working with underrepresented populations in Lane County. Farrell has served on the Executive Board for both HIV Alliance and the Lane County Bar Association; has volunteered time with Oregon Law Center’s Senior Law Clinic; was an advisory member of the Oregon State Bar Legal Futures/Innovations Task Force, Incubator Subcommittee, Paraprofessionals and Alternative Practice Subcommittee, and Quality of Life Committee; and has spent time advising on legislative concepts and bill drafts with the Oregon State Legislature. Farrell holds degrees from the University of Oregon including a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Political Science and a J.D. with a concentration in Business Law. Farrell was a recipient of the Oregon Law 2018 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. She was also recognized by the Campaign for Equal Justice for her pro-bono work helping low-income Oregonians access legal services in Lane County.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to represent our Region X at the national level,” said Farrell. “In collaboration with USAging, my hope is to identify supports and solutions for some of our most vulnerable community members. As we are critically aware, the pandemic and natural disasters have impacted our vulnerable community members at a more disproportional rate than any of us could have imagined. This work we do together is essential to sustain dignity, independence, and choice for our communities. I will bring dedication, persistence, and passion to the USAging Board of Directors as I continue to advocate for our vulnerable populations.”

USAging represents and supports the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs that provide critical services and supports that enable older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States to live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.

“USAging is delighted to have its Board of Directors guided by these local leaders in aging well at home,” said Sandy Markwood, USAging CEO. “These leaders bring unique experience and perspectives to USAging at a critical time for our nation’s older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. They will also play an integral role in helping our association navigate the recent transition from being called the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging to now becoming USAging.”

About Lane Council of Governments

LCOG’s mission is to coordinate and provide high quality public services in Lane County. Lane Council of Governments is dedicated to serving the public interest and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of Lane County. LCOG serves as a regional planning, coordination, program development, and service delivery organization in local communities across Lane County. Learn more at www.lcog.org.

As the Area Agency on Aging, Lane Council of Governments’ Senior and Disability Services Division provides services, information, and assistance to Lane County’s older adult population, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. LCOG Senior and Disability Services functions daily in service to its mission to advocate for seniors and people with disabilities and provide to them quality services and information that promote dignity, independence, and choice. Learn more at https://www.lcog.org/sdslane.

About USAging

USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. Its members help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities.