The Board of Directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging (COA) has announced the selection of Rachelle Dardeau, M.S., M.S.W. as Executive Director, effective Sept. 6, 2011.  Ms. Dardeau is a 15 year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley who has over 25 years’ experience developing and administering programs that benefit seniors.  The non-profit COA operates the Senior Center and provides a broad range of services valley wide.

Don Kimball, Board President, stated “We are excited to conclude our extensive search for an Executive Director.  Ms. Dardeau’s leadership qualities will bring a new vitality to the Center. Her unique background includes both non-profit and for-profit business experience that will ensure efficient and quality service delivery.”

Rachelle Dardeau commented “I am excited to be able to apply my experience in such an important organization in Santa Clarita.  It is my goal to make the Senior Center and its services an asset to everyone in this community.  We have a lot of wonderful things ahead of us.”

Ms. Dardeau holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology from the University of Texas, at Tyler and a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University.  During her career she has served as the Program Director of the Specialized Ambulatory Geriatric Evaluation program (S+AGE) at Sherman Oaks Hospital and the Director of Regional Offices for the Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter.

The COA search effort was coordinated by Saenger Associates, a national executive search firm based in Santa Clarita.

The COA is an independent non-profit organization that operates the Senior Center located at 22900 Market Street in Santa Clarita.  They provide a multitude of programs and services to senior and disabled clients including health and financial seminars, arts and entertainment activities, handy workers and day care providers, daily lunches and more than 300 meals a day delivered right to the front door of homebound clients.  For more see www.SCVSC.org.