The next Foundation Aging Network (FAN) meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 10th at 10:00 am. At this meeting, attendees will:
Hear from Susan DeMarois, the new Director of the California Department of Aging, on her vision and plans to 2022 and beyond,
Learn more about how California Meals on Wheels is working with their local members to establish a statewide network as part of CalAIM expansion, and
Share with your foundation colleagues key information and updates from your organization.
Speaker
Susan DeMarois
Director, California Department of Aging, California Department of Aging
Prior to joining CDA, Susan led public policy and advocacy for the national
Alzheimer’s Association in California. As a registered lobbyist in Sacramento,
Susan advocated for legislative, budget, and regulatory changes at the state
capitol on behalf of the 2.1 million Californians directly impacted by Alzheimer’s
disease. The organization led the effort to implement the Healthy Brain Initiative
in California, resulting in a $5 million investment in the state’s public health
infrastructure. On October 4, 2021, Governor Newsom signed SB 48 (Limón) into
law, enacting the first dementia early detection initiative in the nation focused on
the Medicaid population.
Susan served as an appointee to Governor Newsom’s Alzheimer’s Prevention and
Preparedness Task Force, chaired by former First Lady Maria Shriver, in addition
to the Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Committee, a workgroup
established by Executive Order. In addition, Susan represented the Alzheimer’s
Association on the CHHS Agency Secretary’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Related
Disorders Advisory Committee.
Before working for the Alzheimer’s Association, Susan led government and
community relations for the UC Davis Health System and its academic medical
center, children’s hospital, medical school, nursing school and physician group.
Early in her career, she worked for LeadingAge California, the professional trade
association representing not-for-profit housing, residential care and skilled
nursing providers along with home and community-based services.
A graduate of CSU Chico, Susan started her career working for the U.S. Congress
and California State Assembly.
