CHARACTERISTICS OF LEADERS OF AGING CENTERS

In December of 2021 and January of 2022, current leaders of Centers on Aging belonging to the GSA Age Directors interest group were invited to fill out a survey inquiring about their backgrounds, training for leadership, and perceived needs for training via an online Qualtrics survey. Thirty-one responses were received though a few responses were missing for most questions. The sample mostly resided in the USA (86%), and identified mainly as female (63% female, 37% male). Most were married (90%). The average age of a respondent was 58 years (SD=9; range 37-74). Respondents were not diverse: 97% White. Most had doctoral level education (1 Master’s level). The results indicate that there is a need to enhance and develop leadership skills in diverse mid-career gerontologists in order to provide replacements for an aging cohort of directors. Results are also consistent with prior National Academies’ recommendations for training the gerontological workforce.