October 21, 2024

STRENGTHENING OUR IMPACT: WELCOME CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ERICK LARSON

Pictured – Erick Larson, VMC Co-Executive Director; Kate Hoepke, VMC Board Chair; Carolyn Ross, VMC Co-Executive Director, and Patrick Shandrick, VMC Communications Manager 

Dear Members and Supporters of Village Movement California,

As Village Movement California (VMC) continues to grow in our mission to empower older adults across the state, we are evolving our leadership to meet the changing needs of our communities.

I am thrilled to announce a new collaborative leadership structure for VMC. I will be joining Carolyn Ross as Co-Executive Directors, a move designed to enhance our ability to serve our VMC members and partners, and further our mission of revolutionizing the experience of aging for older adults in California.

A UNIFIED LEADERSHIP TEAM

Carolyn Ross, Co-Executive Director, brings a decade of experience as Executive Director at Care Connections Network, Huntington Beach’s village, and was part of the Leadership Team that developed VMC. Carolyn has served as VMC’s Director of Strategic Initiatives for two years, launching the Village Incubator. She will now lead Programs and Member Management. Her expertise will help ensure our villages continue to meet the needs of California’s aging adult population.

I will oversee Advocacy and Resource Development, advancing policies and programs to expand awareness and adoption of VMC and the village model at local, regional, and state levels. This role builds on my 15+ years of experience working with older adults in residential care and in-home care management and as the founder of the Village of Sonoma Valley.

LOOKING AHEAD, WE’RE COMMITTED TO:

  • Continuing the growth of our Village Incubator to empower communities in creating new villages statewide.
  • Launching our Village Accelerator to support the growth and promote the sustainability of existing villages.
  • Strategic planning for the movement’s future, focusing on four key areas: Innovation, Sustainability, Consistency, and Advocacy.

On a personal note, I’m particularly excited about this opportunity given the wonderful support I’ve received from VMC and former Executive Director, Charlotte Dickson in launching the Village of Sonoma Valley. I’m proud to represent VMC and the important work we do to improve life for older adults and their caregivers in California.

I look forward to working with you all. In the meantime, please feel free to reach me 510-900-6380 and erick@villagemovementcalifornia.org.

Together, we will continue to progress towards our shared vision of a future where all Californians have access to the resources and community connections they need to age better.

Sincerely,

Erick Larson

Co-Executive Director, Advocacy and Development

Photo of 6 villages in front of a waterfall

Member Spotlight

Pasadena Village

Pasadena Village is not a place to live but a way to live. Our members build strong, supportive relationships through a rich array of member-led programs and activities that help us remain engaged and productive, while making  new friends. We are committed to reflecting the richness and diversity of our neighborhoods. We share a mutual goal to have fun, learn and help each other.