WASI CEO to Retire
After seven years leading Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc., – most of that time as CEO – Chuck Foster has requested retirement this year.
Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) serves seniors in the Mat-Su through an integrated mix of services focused on helping older Alaskans to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. WASI offers affordable senior housing, daily lunches at their two senior center centers and through Meals on Wheels, transportation, in-home housekeeping, respite care for unpaid caregivers, and health-promoting activities such as free exercise classes. Since 2013, Foster has helped shape WASI, expanding almost every facet of the nonprofit.
“We are excited for Chuck at the same time we hate to see him go. He is looking forward to more time with his family, and he’s certainly earned that,” said John Weaver, President of the WASI Board of Directors. “We will miss his leadership, strength, and vision and we’re grateful that he’s left an excellent foundation for us to build upon.”
Foster has been an integral part of the system of senior care in the Mat-Su. He serves as Chair of the Coalition of Mat-Su Senior Centers and currently serves on the Mat-Su Council on Aging, and the Board of Directors of the Homesteaders Community Center in Houston. His focus on developing relationships with other nonprofits who serve seniors has helped increase service capacity in the Mat-Su while the borough continues to grow at a robust pace. “We know many Alaskans are choosing to remain in the Mat-Su as we age, and many are choosing the Mat-Su as a retirement destination,” Foster explained. “Our senior services non-profits work as a truly effective team, which allows us to meet the rapidly growing need.”
Foster noted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but said the virus did not spark his retirement plans. “This past year has been harsh on seniors and harsh for the organizations that serve seniors. I’m so proud of our staff and volunteers – and the seniors we serve.
They really stepped up to a great calling and kept us on track, so seniors could have the best quality of life possible. As we emerge from the hard times, 2021 seems to offer the right time for a transition,” he said.
WASI now begins the search for its next exceptional CEO, who will lead the nonprofit to continue to serve older Alaskans and bring strength and vigor to the proud legacy at WASI. This month, the WASI Board of Directors formed a search committee to begin the transition process. Letters of inquiry should be addressed to the Search Committee at 1301 S Century Cir, Wasilla Alaska, or by email to boardofdirectors@alaskaseniors.com.
WASI continues to plan for their annual “Miles for Meals” 5K Fun Run/Walk/Roll event in June. As WASI’s largest fund-raising event of the year, the community event will likely be a mix of virtual and live activities. “Due to concerns about COVID-19, the event was completely virtual in 2020,” said Foster. “This year, we will continue that because a lot of us had a lot of fun with it. But hopefully, we’ll be able to offer an in-person event as well. It would be great to get together again to support our Senior Nutrition programs.”
“I feel honored to have had the opportunities I’ve had,” Foster concluded. “I get to work with an amazing staff, and a dedicated group of volunteers, all while serving some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. I’m sure I’ll miss it, but maybe not that much because I’m a Lifetime Member of WASI. I’m sure to find a place to volunteer, where I can still do some good around here after retirement.”
At WASI, we believe Seniors deserve dignity and respect; and serving Seniors is our passion. All our efforts focus on helping Seniors achieve the quality of life they need, so they can remain in the home and community they choose.
We are always eager to meet like-minded people who want to improve our community. Please consider joining our staff, or volunteering, or simply support our mission with a tax-deductible contribution through our secure website at wasillaseniors.com.
Non-Denominational Christian Worship
A traditional Christian worship service is held each Sunday in the Meeting Room at the WASI Senior Center at 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome to join this service of praise, teaching and celebration. WASI appreciates Rev. Priscilla Fulford, a WASI Lifetime member, who makes this worship service possible.