Doug Dickerson, State Director,
AARP North Carolina
North Carolina aging and caregiving expert Mark Hensley has joined AARP North Carolina as Associate State Director for Community Outreach and Advocacy in the Triad.
Hensley previously coordinated North Carolina’s Alzheimer’s and dementia services for the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, where he led efforts to implement the state’s first Alzheimer’ State Plan. He previously served as State Director for Project C.A.R.E (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty), a statewide program offering counseling, care management services and respite care to caregivers of person with dementias.
Mark HensleyAARP NC’s goals in the Triad are to help prepare the community to be more livable for people of all ages. Hensley’s 20 years in this field boosts the Triad’s expertise as he recruits and organizes volunteers to get involved with the region’s future as a place for people of all ages to live and enjoy.
AARP North Carolina Director Doug Dickerson said, “Mark’s deep commitment to improving people’s lives will be a great benefit to older adults in the Triad and across the state who are looking to AARP to help make their lives easier, more affordable and enjoyable.”
In addition to his work with DHH, Mark is well known as a public speaker and trainer in the NC Aging Network. He has served as the Aging Program Specialist at two Area Agencies on Aging in NC prior to his state role.
A North Carolina native from McDowell County, Mark was the caregiver for both parents who had dementia.He is married and has a daughter studying elementary education at Appalachian State University in Boone.
Triad residents seeking to volunteer with AARP NC can contact Mark at mhensley@aarp.org.