…a dedicated group of individuals committed to transforming Charlotte-Mecklenburg into a senior-friendly* community through education and advocacy.

Debora M. Sparks
Executive Director
dmsparks@charmeckcoa.org
704-391-5216
As Executive Director, a primary responsibility is to understand the needs and interests of older adults in Mecklenburg and to make sure that Council on Aging pursues the issues, partnerships and collaborations that advance those needs and interests.

I believe that efforts made on behalf of older adults at this critical time in Mecklenburg's development will enhance the quality of life for them, their families, their neighborhoods and ultimately, for the entire community for generations to come. It is a privilege for me to have this opportunity to help shape the future for this ever-growing segment of our community.

Kellie M. Visker
Education/Advocacy Manager
kvisker@charmeckcoa.org
704-391-5216, ext. 204
My responsibilities include identifying key issues in the aging field that can affect quality of life, assisting in research to provide essential statistics and information as well as educating the public, elected officials and community leaders about these issues along with potential solutions.  In addition, I work to empower older adults to become their own advocates and advocate for important issues that will help transform Mecklenburg into a senior-friendly community.

I received my Master's in Gerontology from the UNC-Charlotte Gerontology Program.  Aging issues are near and dear to my heart.  Contact me if there is an issue affecting our community's aging population that needs a “voice.”

Katie Kutcher
Program Assistant
kkutcher@charmeckcoa.org
704-391-5216, ext. 202
My main responsibility is organizing and conducting programs that educate the community about issues affecting aging adults.  I also teach participants how to advocate for those issues. 

Contact me if you’re interested in have one of our programs presented to your group or if you’d like to know more about becoming an advocate in the community. I also am available to answer general questions about resources for older adults in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

Abby Phagan-Byrum
Administrative Manager
abyrum@charmeckcoa.org
704-391-5216, ext. 201
I am often your initial point of contact for Council on Aging. My responsibilities include managing the phones, maintaining the data base, processing mailings, handling all office equipment and supplies and assisting the Executive Director.

As a native Charlottean, I am interested in improving the lives of the growing community of older adults in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, not only for their sake, but also for the viability of this wonderful community.

Carole Clark
Marketing/Development Manager
cc2@mindspring.com
704-527-6944
Council on Aging is diligently working to ensure a good quality of life for our aging population by creating a more senior-friendly environment.  My goal is to make sure that you know what Council on Aging is doing for the aging community, encourage your participation, and invite your support to make their efforts successful.

Aging is inevitable.  It's something all of us are doing.  The process should provide dignity, respect and a guaranteed quality of life during the process.  The work that Council on Aging is doing is very important to all of us.

Please contact me if you have ideas, suggestions, and comments on ways to better inform you, inspire you and provide options for partnering with Council on Aging.

Jeanne Cabillis
Accounting Services
jcabillis@charmeckcoa.org
704-391-5216, ext. 208
I’m responsible for bookkeeping and accounts management at Council on Aging.  I assist the Administrative Manager, especially with “front desk” duties.  My experience as a Medicare Part D consultant has also helped me be a resource to callers confused by this complicated program
I'm passionate about Council on Aging's objectives because I am a senior citizen myself and I see the great job they're doing for the aging population.  I enjoy working part-time for an agency that does so much for this important part of the community.

Karel Joyce Kalaw
Graduate Assistant
UNC Charlotte
MA, Gerontology Program
Gradasst@charmeckcoa.org
704-391-5216
As the graduate assistant, my responsibility is doing the research needed for Council on Aging to create a senior disaster registry.  This initiative will provide emergency responders the information needed to assist older adults in Mecklenburg County in an emergency.  Upon completion, the database created for this effort will assist Council on Aging in further fulfilling their mission.

Working for Council on Aging will help me in my desire to be a proactive change agent for the aging population, especially in my native country the Philippines.  I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned from Council on Aging with the Filipino people.

*A senior-friendly community allows aging adults
to maintain independence, dignity and quality of life.