The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Area Council on Aging (ACA) proudly welcomed and swore in 10 new members at the August meeting. Each brings unique expertise, lived experience, and a commitment to serving older adults across the metro Atlanta region. ACA board members are eligible to serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.

ACA is a required advisory body for the 10-county Atlanta Area Agency on Aging.  It is responsible for advising and submitting recommendations to ARC regarding long-range plans to accommodate the region’s rapidly growing population of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their care partners. It is also responsible for advising ARC staff on operations related to planning for and administering services to support the independence, health, and well-being of older persons. The committee meets at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every other month at ARC.

Sharifa Adde, DeKalb County
Sharifa Adde is an older adult with 15 years of experience as a case manager at the Department of Family and Children Services. There she worked with seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping them access support services. A global citizen, born in Somalia and having lived in Russia, Kenya, and the U.S., Adde brings cultural awareness and compassion to her work. She hopes to use her perspective to amplify the voices of seniors who face cultural and language barriers.

Deke Cateau, Cobb County

Deke Cateau is the CEO of A.G. Rhodes, overseeing three senior care communities in metro Atlanta. With many years of leadership in healthcare and long-term care, he has received national recognition for his work in aging. Cateau has served on various boards and advisory groups focused on dementia and senior living. His goal is to promote high-quality care and enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Siddiqa Gibson, Henry County
With a master’s degree in health management and over 20 years of experience in Medicare Advantage programs, Siddiqa Gibson has dedicated her career to aging services. She is the executive director of Best Life Golden Years, Inc., focusing on caregiver support, respite care, and addressing food insecurity. Gibson considers her work a calling and is especially passionate about uplifting caregivers, whom she describes as the “backbone” of senior care.

Will Johnston, DeKalb County
As Executive Director of the MicroLife Institute, Will Johnston advocates for housing diversity and walkable communities through “missing middle” housing developments. His efforts help older adults age while remaining connected to their communities. Johnston believes seniors are key advocates for zoning reform and community planning, and he looks forward to bringing that focus to the Council.

Jessica Klausner, Gwinnett County
A recent graduate with a degree in Gerontology from Georgia State University, Jessica Klausner combines academic knowledge with practical experience in senior living and community advocacy. She has crafted proposals to increase outdoor fitness opportunities for older adults and volunteered with organizations that support inclusive services. As both a mother and advocate, Klausner offers a multigenerational perspective and firmly believes in empowering seniors to influence their communities.

Dominique Louis, Cherokee County
Dominique Louis is the Executive Director of Cherokee Angel Senior Care, managing personal care homes, day centers, and consulting services for assisted living facilities. With over 25 years of experience in operations and project management, including handling multimillion-dollar budgets, Louis offers both technical expertise and compassion. Fluent in French and Haitian Creole, he demonstrates cultural competence and a strong commitment to helping families navigate aging services.

Jennifer Rewkowski, Fulton County
For more than 25 years, Jennifer Rewkowski has promoted community wellness through her leadership at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. She has led programs supporting seniors with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and managed the Y’s participation in a nationwide clinical study on memory and exercise. As Vice President of Community Health & Wellness, Rewkowski mixes professional expertise with personal experience as part of the “sandwich generation,” caring for both children and aging parents.

Lynne Riley, Fulton County
A seasoned public servant with more than twenty years of leadership at the state level, Lynne Riley has dedicated herself to making government processes more straightforward for citizens. Now in a senior role herself, Riley has direct insight into the difficulties older adults encounter when navigating healthcare and public benefits. She aims to leverage her expertise in efficiency and policy to help lower barriers for seniors seeking assistance.

Jay Francis Springs, Fulton County
Jay Francis Springs is a lifelong community leader and media professional. He has held roles throughout his career including Chairman of the Atlanta Water Sewer Appeals Board, Carver Cluster Coordinator under President Jimmy Carter’s Atlanta Project, and various leadership positions on city and neighborhood boards. Also active as a media and marketing consultant, Springs is passionate about community engagement and is a strong advocate for seniors in Atlanta.

Gloria Stills, Rockdale County
Active in Rockdale County, Gloria Stills serves as both a caregiver and a community advocate. She collaborates with organizations that address the needs of older adults and is dedicated to connecting seniors with resources, including healthcare and legal aid. Inspired by her work alongside the late Rep. Pamela Dickerson, Stills is committed to continuing a legacy of service and making sure seniors get the support they need.