CINDY SULLIVAN
SOUTHWICK – Cynthia Sullivan was selected the new Council On Aging director this week.
Sullivan, a Westfield resident and member of the Westfield School Committee, was chosen from among three finalists interviewed by the Board of Selectmen Monday. The other finalists, Joyce Peregrin and Richard Rubin, are also Westfield residents deemed “well qualified” by board members.
The three candidates were separately asked a series of nine questions by selectmen, who then deliberated in executive session and reconvened in open session and voted to hire Sullivan.
Sullivan said she was excited to get started.
“I think it’s going to be great,” she said. “I look forward to finding out more about what the seniors want because it’s their center, not mine.”
Sullivan noted that Southwick’s senior population is projected to increase by 500 people in the next decade, and she wants to reach out to them and get them involved.
Sullivan was asked about what experience she would bring in managing employees and volunteers while simultaneously caring for seniors and overseeing programs. Sullivan, a social worker, said her ability to multi-task and go with the flow would serve her well at the COA.
“I’ve spent the last 20 years as a social worker and no day is the same,” she said. “You have to multi-task and prioritize for that day.”
Sullivan also said listening to people and giving them an opportunity to speak is one area she has learned makes a big difference.
“You have to listen to people who are right in front of you because what they have to say is important,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan is the current chairperson of the Westfield School Committee’s finance sub-committee, an experience that she said would serve her well in handling the COA budget. Although Sullivan said she has no formal grant writing experience, she is a quick learner and navigates the Internet with ease. She looks forward to learning about grant writing.
Sullivan was asked what ideas she brings to the position for senior programs that the Southwick COA has not implemented. Sullivan’s answer sparked nods of approval from several members of the COA present for the interviews.
“You do a lot already,” she said, “And I want to figure of what works and what doesn’t. I like to bring communities together and would love to host dances and tea parties for the COA and their grandkids.”
Sullivan also mentioned organized walks, health and medical informational workshops, and a friendly senior games competition as just a few of her ideas.
When asked how Sullivan would reach out to Southwick’s senior living facilities to join the COA, Sullivan said she would use social media and flyers, but that “knocking on their doors” was what she believed would bring the most success. Sullivan said meeting face-to-face with people was the best way to entice them to participate in COA programs.
The final question posed was what Sullivan believed was the most important role of the COA director.
“Communicate and listen to the needs of the seniors,” Sullivan said. “Southwick is a small town, and I grew up in another small town – Turners Falls – and you need collaboration.”
Sullivan said she would work with the Board of Selectmen and other town boards and departments to meet the needs of seniors. She also said weekly staff and volunteer meetings and sharing of information would be a key part of the center’s success.
“Information is power. I can’t say that enough,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan closed the interview by thanking the board for the opportunity to interview for the position and said through her social work she has worked with people of all ages.
“Since I was 14 I have had jobs that were always related to helping people,” said Sullivan. “I’m not perfect, but I’m always learning and I would love the opportunity to work in Southwick.”
Sullivan is set to start her new position July 15. The 30-hour per week position has a salary range of $32,472.90 to $36,081.24
