Kathy Whitaker, the Director of the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability was recently recognized by the YWCA Share the Light - Tribute to Women. Nominated by the staff of the Area Agency, Whitaker joins an outstanding cohort of women leaders in the region. The text of the nomination below reinforces what her 45 years of service to the region has already proven and clearly illustrates her worthiness for this honor.
"Kathy Whitaker has been known to say this is not a job to her. This is her life mission. She proves that every day by her actions. Everything she does serves to empower First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging & Disability clients, as well as those she works with and partners with daily. She has a keen ability to nurture relationships with staff but also those outside the organization. She is committed to promoting programs that help seniors remain in their homes as they age, including home-delivered meals, in-home care, Medicare assistance, caregiver support and transportation.
She is ever caring and always available to lend a hand, offer advice, or take on a project. Nothing seems too big or too small. She recruits volunteers, but in turn volunteers herself to deliver meals to our most vulnerable homebound population.
Kathy is recognized as a leader in TN but also across the United States serving on the board of both the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies and the USAging Association advocating change that will make a positive impact on older adults and those with disabilities for years to come. Kathy started at FTAAAD in 1976 and became the director in 1995 and continues to lead us.
We, her staff, see each day Kathy’s ability to see solutions to the hardest problems. She is always calm and compassionate and feels there is a solution to every problem. May we all strive to be like Kathy, a compassionate, caring woman that is fearless of challenges, facing them head on, while making change in so many lives. Her staff at FTAAAD believes she truly is one who Shares the Light!"
To learn more about YWCA Share the Light- Tribute to Women and the other outstanding women honored in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, visit www.ywcatnva.org.