New CEO for Area Agency on Aging; Sherry Golden is board chair

Michael Stopka and Rebecca Flaherty

After an extensive search process the Board of Directors has selected Michael Stopka as the next Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging. Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Flaherty retired July 1, after 37 years with the agency.

Stopka served as Executive Director of The Haven in Mattoon, IL, an emergency shelter and community kitchen. He received a BA degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University, and an MA degree in gerontology from Eastern Illinois University.

“I am honored and grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead this great agency,” said Stopka, who now resides in Albany.

Rebecca Flaherty served in various positions at Northwest Missouri Area Agency for the past 37 years, since 2007 as its CEO.

The board of directors has elected Sherry Golden of Gallatin as a new board chair to replace Janet Griffin. Janet Griffin has served on the board of directors since 2013 and has been the chair since 2016. Sherry was the vice-chair for the previous two years.

“We are grateful for Becky and her 37 years of service to the seniors of northwest Missouri, and we look forward to working with the new CEO,” said Ms. Golden.

NWMOAAA is one of 10 planning and service agencies in Missouri. Its primary client groups are adults who are at least 60 years of age, and their caregivers. The agency targets low income people but serves all income levels, asking only for voluntary contributions to expand services. It is unbiased in helping clients make informed choices.

NWMOAAA promotes systems that maintain and enhance the quality of life for older adults, wherever they may live. In the past fiscal year, the Agency provided services to 8,943 individuals. It is funded by federal, state and local resources, as well as contributions and has served older adults in its 18-county public service area since 1973.