Sandy Markwood

 

Sandy Markwood is a national advocate for aging issues and a champion for ensuring that older adults have the best supports to age well at home and in their communities. As the CEO of USAging since 2002, she is committed to ensuring that our society values and supports people across the lifespan. This commitment has taken many forms, including advocacy with multiple administrations and on Capitol Hill for the passage of legislation aimed at supporting older adults, including access to critical information, in-home services and caregiver support.

A passionate advocate, Sandy has led numerous USAging campaigns to support the needs of older adults as they age, including those focused on combating social isolation among older adults, encouraging healthy aging, supporting caregivers, promoting livable communities, and access to transportation and housing options. Sandy has focused on the development of community planning practices that include the creation of dementia friendly communities and maximize the benefits of volunteering and engagement for people of all ages while preventing elder abuse and neglect. Sandy’s goal and the goal of USAging is to ensure that older adults have the ability to age with maximum independence and quality of life. According to Sandy, aging isn’t just about adding years to our lives, it’s about adding life to those years.

Sandy has more than 30 years’ experience in the development and delivery of aging, health, human services, housing and transportation programs in counties and cities across the nation. Prior to joining USAging, Sandy served as the Deputy Director of County Services at the National Association of Counties where she took a lead role in research, training, conference planning, program development, technical assistance and grants management.

As CEO, Sandy is responsible for USAging's overall management. She sets the strategic direction for the staff, oversees the implementation of all policy, grassroots advocacy, membership and program initiatives. She also leads USAging's fundraising efforts and engages corporate sponsors to support critical initiatives. Externally, Sandy forms strategic partnerships with federal agencies and organizations in the aging, human services and health care arenas to enhance the role and recognition of Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI programs.

Sandy holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia.

sandy.markwood@usaging.org


USAging Fact: Learn about your peers’ work—and how it can fit into your agency’s goals! The AIA Awards recognizes successful and innovative programs that USAging members have developed to serve older adults. Get inspiration from our 2023 winners!