MNRAAA Announces New Board of Directors Members
February 3, 2023 – The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (MNRAAA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Board of Directors: Dianne Crowley and Deborah Rezac.
Dianne Crowley of Slayton recently retired as the Finance Director for the Southwest Regional Development Commission (SRDC). During her tenure at SRDC, Crowley worked closely with the Southwest Area Agency on Aging from its inception and through the transition of Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging, Inc. into a separate entity. Crowley is familiar with many of the programs of MNRAAA and values them, especially the Senior Linkage Line, as a vital link for seniors and caregivers in the area. Crowley continues to work with her husband on the family farm. Crowley has been active in numerous organizations in Southwest Minnesota, including Girl Scouts, Hospice of Murray County, 4-H and Lake Wilson Study Club. Crowley is interested in assisting caregivers in finding services for their loved ones.
Deborah Rezac of Mankato is a Sales Associate for Cal-Am Properties. Before moving back to Mankato to serve as a caregiver, Rezac was active in Wisconsin’s aging and diversity professions. As a specialist with the Western Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging, Rezac transitioned to the Diversity Director at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. She remains active in diversity efforts within the Mankato area.
Rezac stated that “I want to serve on this board to continue and expand the services to the most vulnerable, to find new ways to build collaborative systems born out of capacities and assets of each community, county, and tribal sovereign nations within the MNRAAA region.” “(We need) to reach those who are not totally computer orientated and visibly work with people who work better one-on-one” was Crowley’s response to wanting to join the MNRAAA Board.
“Deborah and Dianne have worked professionally and at a volunteer level with the aging and caregiving population. They bring expertise and shared knowledge of how we can work to assist older adults to thrive,” stated Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director of MNRAAA.
“Deborah’s experience working in non-profit organizations focused on older adults will bring invaluable information to MNRAAA,” stated Kandyce Peton, Board Chair for MNRAAA. “Dianne’s financial background will be a nice addition to our board. It will be fun working with both individuals,” continued Peton.
The MNRAAA Board of Directors, which feature professionals from the twenty-seven-county area, ranging from a Director of Nursing Services at an area hospital to a registered dietitian, is a volunteer governing board.
