HJ5008: Commending Gordon J. Walker.

WHEREAS, Gordon J. Walker, the admired chief executive officer of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging, has announced his retirement effective January 2013; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of San Diego State University, where he earned a master?s degree, Gordon Walker also received a certificate in gerontology from Georgia State University; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker brought a wealth of experience to the Jefferson Area Board of Aging (JABA), having previously served as associate director of the Georgia State University Gerontology Center, legislative aide to the United States Senate Committee on Aging, and deputy director of the Vermont Department of Aging; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader, Gordon Walker transformed the agency, which serves the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson, from one that advocated for senior citizens to one that provides a wide array of services and serves as a model for similar agencies across the country; and

WHEREAS, under Gordon Walker?s leadership, JABA now provides or sponsors affordable assisted living, programs to keep seniors in their homes, and independent living facilities; provides adult day care programs; trains volunteers to counsel older adults with health insurance issues and claims; and offers resources for seniors and family members; and

WHEREAS, with the support of more than 800 dedicated volunteers, JABA provides and coordinates essential services that enable seniors to stay in their homes, including the delivery of more than 44,000 healthy, balanced meals annually; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker expanded JABA?s mission to embrace all life stages, recognizing that aging occurs throughout life; and

WHEREAS, JABA owns and operates an intergenerational pre-school, Shining Star Pre-School, which brings together children and seniors; JABA has also built four multipurpose intergenerational community centers and manages the Westhaven Clinic, a public housing community of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia?s School of Nursing; he previously served as president of several local and state nonprofit organizations and committees and as chair of the Albemarle County School Board; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker serves on the boards of the Older Dominion Partnership, the Housing Policy Advisory Committee, and the Piedmont Housing Alliance and is a member of the Livable for a Lifetime Steering Committee; and  

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker has developed positive relationships with numerous local government entities, foundations, educational institutions, private citizens, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations that have resulted in mutually beneficial partnerships; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker has worked with community leaders to create the 2020 Plan: Aging in Community, an effort to help communities prepare for an increased senior population; the Viable Futures Toolkit, a product of the 2020 Plan, is now used in 13 states across the country to help create age-friendly communities; and

WHEREAS, a nationally recognized leader and expert on aging, Gordon Walker twice represented the Commonwealth at the White House Conference on Aging; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker was honored for his extraordinary contributions to the quality of life for Central Virginians when the Thomas Jefferson Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented him with its 2010 Bronze Good Citizenship Award; and

WHEREAS, Gordon Walker?s career has been marked by tireless advocacy for seniors; his efforts have led to increased resources, education, and services to help make the Charlottesville area a better place to age; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Gordon Walker will split his time between Charlottesville and Southport, North Carolina; he will remain active at JABA, serving on the board for the new Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and plans to start a business to assist seniors with aging in place; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Gordon J. Walker on the occasion of his retirement from the Jefferson Area Board for Aging; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Gordon J. Walker as an expression of the General Assembly?s appreciation and respect for his distinguished career advocating for and creating services to enhance the lives of seniors and their families.