SWPPA is an all-volunteer organization that reviews, recommends, and researches issues related to older adults and people with disabilities. Below is a list of our committees. Please email us if you would like to learn more or join a committee.
Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh Committee
Chairs: Paul Winkler, Presbyterian SeniorCare and Joe Angelelli, UPMC Center for High Value Health Care
The Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh Committee guides the actions and activities of our major Age-Friendly Community project, presently funded by the Hillman Foundation.
Dementia-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh Committee
Chairs: Deanna Leyh Page, Presbyterian SeniorCare; Sara Murphy, Alzheimer’s Association Greater PA Chapter; and Jen Martchek, Jmartchek Consulting
The Dementia-Friendly Committee trains its members to be Dementia Friends and Champions and provides the opportunity to support and engage those living with dementias and their care partners. We build upon the work already occurring with Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh and connect with our partners to design and implement trainings, programs and advocacy on behalf of the communities we all serve.
Education Committee
Chair: Darlene Burlazzi, Community Member
The Education Committee is responsible for planning and executing our annual conference and other educational events. The annual conference brings in sponsors and attendees to share and learn the newest issues in aging and disability.
Membership Committee
Chair: Gary Gibson, Presbyterian SeniorCare
As a membership organization, the Membership Committee plays a critical role of publicizing and soliciting new and returning members on a regular basis.
Policy and Advocacy Committee
Chairs: Beth Mulvaney, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and Kim Pirilla-Scalise, Superior Home Care
The Policy and Advocacy Committee monitors, reviews, and shares information related to public policy issues impacting older adults, people with disabilities, and the organizations serving them. Beyond the sharing of information, the Policy and Advocacy Committee informs members of opportunities for advocacy and supports those efforts throughout the year. The committee also informs the Board of Directors when SWPPA should take a formal position on a policy, legislative or regulatory issue. The committee meets regularly via conference calls to facilitate easy participation, and committee members engage in using the organization’s principles scorecard to consider and present the impact of relevant legislation and regulations across our network.