Nancy McPherson

About Nancy McPherson

If there is a common thread that runs through my career—whether a State Director at AARP or Bureau Director at major city police departments—it is transformation: the ability to identify what needs to change, and the determination and competencies to make those changes succeed. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to do this repeatedly for three decades—managing multimillion-dollar budgets and staffs of up to 200—and grateful to have been recognized for what my efforts have accomplished. For example: As State Director of AARP California, I led the restructuring of state operations in four metropolitan offices, creating a multi-year strategy to position AARP as a trusted leader in building more livable, age-friendly communities. As a result, in 2017 I was named a Visionary Award 30-in-30 Honoree by the Southern California Leadership Network. As State Director of AARP Louisiana, I led a complete reorganization to support livable communities statewide and created a productive partnership with the New Orleans community of Hollygrove, devasted by Katrina, with our team receiving one of 10 national awards from MetLife Foundation for our impact on older adult well-being. Prior to that I established a 20-year track record improving the performance and accountability of municipal governments, beginning with implementing Problem Oriented Policing (POP) in the San Diego Police Dept, an effort recognized by the National League of Cities as one of the nation’s top three drug enforcement programs. I served as Bureau Director in both the Seattle and Portland police departments, successful in improving operations and services in IT, crime analysis, crime reduction, crime prevention, victim assistance, recruitment, training, labor negotiations, and more. And from 19••••09, concurrent with my full-time positions, I served as a special consultant to police, community and government organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally. My career is built on a solid educational foundation. I received my bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University, Master of Public Administration at Old Dominion University, and completed numerous professional development courses. With focus, energy and enthusiasm, I embrace challenge and change in dynamic environments.

Experience

1. State Director

   Aarp California

   Jun 2015 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   RESPONSIBILITIES:AARP is the nation\'s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering individuals 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. I was brought in to lead the complete restructuring of operations in four metropolitan areas, to create a vision and focus for the work, establish AARP as a leading resource to help develop livable communities for all ages and abilities, and create a high-performing, multicultural team. Major responsibilities include: Directing and inspiring staff and volunteers at locations throughout the state, including development of written expectations for staff performance, clarification of roles and responsibilities, and instituting a conflict resolution and problem solving process. Overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget and allocation of funds for greatest impact and value. Serving as spokesperson for AARP at state media events, philanthropy conferences and educational forums. Forging partnerships with community-based organizations to boost volunteer engagement and help local jurisdictions address livability concerns. RESULTS: Among the highlights: Led our staff and volunteer Executive Council in developing of a vision for California that aligned with AARP’s national vision. Directed development of a “Micro Project Team” strategy to lift the Executive Council out of operational matters and into a more strategic role. Directed design and execution of a “Strategy Design Charrette” in collaboration with strategic planning partners to develop 3-year strategy maps for California’s four focus areas: caregiving, livable communities, technology, and financial resilience. Met with key external stakeholders to explore opportunities for partnerships and high-level volunteer engagement. And more.In recognition of the successful reorganization of the state office and contributions to the communities we serve, in 2017 I was named a Visionary Award 30-in-30 Honoree by the Southern California Leadership Network.

Education

• Old Dominion University

  Master of Public Administration (MPA)

  1987

• San Diego State University

  Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

  1982