It's kind of silly to title this entry "Meet Tracey Collins," because Tracey is one of the most visible advocates for seniors in our community. The long-time former CEO of Cincinnati Area Senior Services has recently embarked on a new phase of her career. Beginning in January, she will be the president-elect of the APA Board of Trustees. Here is a little more about Tracey.

Tell us what you do and how you help the community.

I have worked in the nonprofit space for 38 years. For the past 22 years, I was the CEO of Cincinnati Area Services until the organization merged with Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

My plan has always been to step down from a leadership role to return to my social work roots and passion of working directly with seniors. My second act career begins now with WellBe Senior Medical as their Master Social Worker. I am excited about their philosophy of bringing medical services to seniors with compassion and care. This fits my philosophy and values for a service delivery model overall better care. 

Tell us about your work career?

I started my career by working as a child protective investigator in Kentucky. I worked with Children and Families for 16 years before I began working in the aging community. I became a caregiver for my grandmother and my passion for advocacy began at that point. The system seemed too difficult to navigate. I love to hear the stories the seniors tell. If I can make their experience easier or a caregiver's experience easier, then I have done my job. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

To be honest, I am a homebody. We recently moved by the lake and love spending days out on the lake. My husband and I have decided when we travel  we would like to get in an RV and travel the backroads, stop and explore the shops, and mom and pop restaurants. 

Tell us a little more about you.

My husband and I live in Liberty, Indiana near Brookville Lake with our two dogs. I have two grown children and two grandchildren, ages five and 18 months – they call me Gigi. Our home is the family lake house where everyone gathers for all events and that is my passion. I like to entertain and host events. I read, garden and enjoy spending days on the lake in the summer. 

What is your go-to restaurant?

My husband and I love to cook together, and we live in the middle of nowhere so we really don't have a lot of choices. I do love all things Mexican. 

What do you love about the APA?

This is my second time on the Board and my favorite things are the networking and the relationships I have made over the years.

What would you do if you were not working?

I would spend more time with friends, hang out with my grandchildren, volunteer, and of course, spend lazy days on the lake.