The Rochester Finger Lakes Region Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has named Arlene Wilson as its new senior director of programs. In this role, Wilson will lead the chapter’s program delivery and growth strategy to reach more people with volunteer-delivered education, awareness and support programs across the nine-county Rochester and Finger Lakes region, with a special focus on new, underrepresented and rural communities.
Wilson has more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience and previously served as the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County. She has also served in leadership positions at the American Diabetes Association, Planned Parenthood, the Mercy Outreach Center and the Center for Disability Rights.
“One of Arlene’s many strengths is her bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish, which will be vital in helping us extend our reach further in Spanish-language communities,” says Amanda Nobrega, vice president of programs for Upstate New York Chapters.
Wilson is a member of the board and previous board president for PathStone, a nonprofit community development and human services organization serving low-income families in Rochester, and was chairwoman of PathStone Development Corporation, which focuses on affordable housing.
Wilson was recognized for her work with PathStone with the Board Leadership Award at the 2016 Greater Rochester Awards, sponsored by the Rochester Business Journal. She also served as president of the New York Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, the oldest and largest organization of Extension professionals.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in Spanish from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She has completed three years of doctoral studies in organizational management and leadership at the University of Phoenix. An active member of New Bethel CME Church, she serves as its historian, Facebook administrator and member of the Board of Christian Education and Formation.