AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins leads the world’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization, harnessing the power and passion of almost 2,000 staff members, 60,000 volunteers and numerous strategic partners. Since heading the organization in 2014, she has transformed AARP into a leader in social change, dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live and age.

Jenkins has been described as a visionary and global thought leader, a catalyst for breakthrough results, accelerating progress and contribution while fostering positive relationships. She led efforts to redefine AARP’s vision, challenge outdated beliefs and spark new insights that allow people to adapt to the new realities of aging”with relevant solutions to everyday issues such as health, financial resilience, digital and social connectivity, work opportunities and personal fulfillment. Her best-selling book, Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age, has become a rallying cry for revolutionizing society’s views on aging. She also established a new strategic direction and operating structure for AARP Foundation.

Jenkins began her career with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, later moving to the Departments of Transportation and Agriculture in a variety of leadership roles. Interlaced with public service, she served in several private consulting firms, advising major corporations. In 1994, she was asked to join the Library of Congress as a senior adviser, then chief of staff, becoming its CEO in 2007. She has been named one of Black Enterprise magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business (2017); one of Washington Life Magazine’s Power 100, (2015 2017); and a NonProfit Times Power and Influence Top 50 honoree (2013 2016), and is a recipient of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics 2017 Presidential Award.

Jo Ann Jenkins graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program after earning her BS degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.