ABOUT
Who we are.
A diverse group of stakeholders across the healthcare industry to advance the policies, programs, and partnerships that help older adults thrive.
OUR STORY
How we got here
The Healthy Aging Coalition was founded in 2016 with a simple goal: bring together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to promote policies and programs for healthy aging.
In 2025, we became an independent 501(c)(3) under the leadership of our founder, Vicki Shepard, carrying forward decades of trusted relationships and deep experience in aging.
Our model remains our strength: we convene leaders across research, care delivery, business, advocacy, philanthropy, policy, and government; unite them around the hardest questions in healthy aging; and advocate for solutions that move the field forward.
2016
Founded in Tivity Health – parent company of SilverSneakers® – to focus on rural aging issues.
2017
Convened the first Rural Aging Advisory Council to address education and policy.
2020
2025
Launched as an independent 501(c)(3)
Now
TIMELINE
Expanded focus. Transformed into the Healthy Aging Coalition.
A nationally recognized voice built for long-term leadership in healthy aging policy and advocacy.
OUR PURPOSE
Mission & Vision
MISSION
We convene credible voices to shape policy, advance best practices, and drive action for healthy aging.
VISION
Healthy aging at the center of every policy.
OUR PURPOSE
Where we’re focused
Each year, we identify the priorities where our convening, advocacy, and collective voice can help shape policy, strengthen practice, and drive action in healthy aging. For 2026, we're focused on three areas:
01
Protecting programs for older adults
We strengthen and protect aging programs and agencies — including Medicare, the Older Americans Act, the CDC, and other programs that directly affect the health and wellness of older adults and their caregivers.
02
Advocating for social drivers of health
Social drivers of health shape whether older adults can age well. When Congress, CMS, federal or state agencies or community leaders are designing solutions, we collaborate for evidence-based solutions.
03
Improving quality of life for people with chronic conditions
We support initiatives that promote living longer, healthier lives with a focus on conditions that most affect older adults: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
OUR APPROACH
How we work
The Healthy Aging Coalition is fueled by collaboration. Our members share a common purpose, but bring different perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences.
We support initiatives that promote living longer, healthier lives with a focus on conditions that most affect older adults: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
We meet at least six times a year, in person and virtually. We exchange ideas, enter into meaningful debate, and leverage our differences to find what others might miss.
We focus on opportunities to drive action and create collective value — not just talk.
“As an original member of the Healthy Aging Coalition, I have seen the value of collaboration and joint action. Together we make a difference."
Debbie Witchey
President & CEO, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness
"The Healthy Aging Coalition plays an important role in bringing diverse stakeholders to the table to create a shared voice to promote healthy aging"
Sandy Markwood
CEO, USAging
LEADERSHIP
The coalition is led by a board and core team that brings decades of experience across healthcare, policy, advocacy, academia and nonprofit leadership.
Our Board of Directors
Vicki Shepard,
ACSW, MPA
CEO & Board Chair
Founded HAC in 2017. Former CA Chief Deputy for Aging and HHS Principal Deputy for Aging. Certified Social Worker, MPA. Co-author of leading population health textbook.
Joe Coughlin,
PhD
Founder & Director, MIT AgeLab. Faculty, MIT Urban Studies & Planning. Author of The Longevity Economy. Advisor to global organizations on aging and technology.
Board Member
Archelle Georgiou,
MD
Former Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare. Weekly health expert for KSTP-TV. Podcast host for Speak Up For Your Health. Author of Healthcare Choices. Johns Hopkins-trained internist.
Board Member
Mary Flipse,
JD
Board Member
Former CLO/CAO at Tivity Health. Co-founder of PreferCare, a value-based care startup. Expert in corporate governance, M&A, regulatory affairs, and rural healthcare.
Jeanette May,
PhD, MPH
Board Member
20+ years in healthcare nonprofits. Led Healthcare Systems Research Network and Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin. NIH research collaborator on population and rural health.
Our members represent the
breadth of the healthy aging field.
COALITION MEMBERS
From researchers and healthcare providers to businesses, advocates, foundations, and faith-based organizations — we are a true cross-section of the field.
