Update (1/7/26): The Council on Aging Board, after interviewing one of two finalists for the COA director job on Wednesday afternoon in a public session, announced after about a 20-minute intermission that the meeting would end and that the second candidate would not be interviewing that day. An “administrative issue” was cited for the change of plans and there was mention of scheduling a new meeting.
The Wellesley Council on Aging, whose director was placed on leave last April and resigned over the summer, may soon have a new leader.
Assistant Director Kathy Savage has been serving as acting director in place of departed director Deborah Greenwood.
The Council on Aging Board is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 4pm at the Tolles Parsons Center to interview and vote on a director of senior services.
Two experienced candidates were listed on the agenda.
During the Dec. 18 Board meeting, Secretary Pat Decker said six candidates were interviewed.
Among the items on the new director’s agenda will be the opening of the Tolles Parsons Center kitchen, which has been undergoing major construction after being underused for years due to design and permitting issues. A recently completed senior needs assessment will also provide the new director with plenty to chew on.
The COA Board introduced Greenwood as director at the start of 2023. Hiring had proven challenging, with more than 100 resumes reviewed over several months. After a series of interviews, the Board for the COA was twice unable to close the deal with its choices.
Previous Wellesley COA Director Heather Munroe left in April of 2022 after a little more than two years on the job. Before that, Gayle Thieme led the COA for 16 years.
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