Pathways to 2040: Collectively Preparing for our Region’s Aging Future
January 30, 2026, Windham Aging invited a small group of leaders across the state to gather in Brattleboro to discuss our aging population across the state, and within our region. The urgency of our collective involvement in addressing rapidly aging demographic of our state was amplified during the morning with presentations by Angela Smith-Dieng, Deputy Commissioner from Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living, Rudy Fedrizzi, Brattleboro Public Health Services District Director, and Mark Boutwell, Executive Director of Senior Solutions.
Panelists from organizations in Windham County highlighted the way in which collaboration, and even radical collaboration, can be a way forward together as we look at Health, Wellness, Housing, Transportation, and Healthcare Workforce over the next fifteen years.
During the afternoon, participants were able to look at possible strategies and action steps to meet various objectives by 2040. The event ended with recognizing eleven leaders who had been nominated for the inaugural Elizabeth Rowell Thompson Leadership Awards in Healthy Aging. Their profiles are listed below. Congratulations to Claire Bemis and Jeffrey Lewis!
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
Elizabeth Rowell Thompson Leadership Awards in Healthy Aging
This inaugural award recognized two outstanding leaders who have made a meaningful contribution supporting older adults in Windham County. Windham Aging recognized eleven nominees who have shown leadership in improving the lives of older adults and have made a difference in their communities and inspired others.
The two winners were Claire Bemis and Jeffrey Lewis. Congratulations!