Alexandria — Senior Services of Alexandria held its annual meeting and luncheon June 21 at The Fountains at Washington House to formally elect the 2012-2013 slate of officers and board of directors.

“Nonprofit service has been an incredibly rewarding area of my life,” said outgoing president Barbara Anderson in welcoming the new board members. “I know each of you will bring your experience and training to your service to SSA.”

Anderson spoke about the need for organizations like SSA to fill social needs that local, state and federal governments cannot provide.

“Our tax dollars simply don't extend to covering the person-to-person needs that organizations like SSA and others in the city provide,” Anderson said. “At SSA, we will work together to meet the needs of citizens who want to age with dignity in this community, our community and the city of Alexandria.”

Fran Becker, former executive director of Carpenter's Shelter, was the featured speaker at the event.

“For many years I have admired the dedicated board, staff and volunteers of Senior Services and your critical work in Alexandria that allows seniors to live their golden years a lot easier,” said Becker as she addressed the issues facing nonprofit boards today. “It is every board member's job to believe in the organization's mission, to be loyal to the organization, to understand the financial activities and to display the highest standards of ethical conduct. These are the ingredients of a good, responsible board.”

The 2012-2013 SSA officers are: Greg Murphy, president; David Baker, president-elect; Gay Pasley, secretary; Art Sauer, treasurer and Barbara Anderson, past president. Board members include: Lynnwood G. Campbell; Carter Flemming; Jane Foote; Christina Forbes; Constance H. Frogale; Heidi Garvis; Harvey L. Gray; C.B. “Buzz” Harris, Jr.; Connie Hart; Gordon Kromberg; Daniel E. Marks; Gregory L. Murphy; Mitch Opalski; Gordon P. Peyton; Councilwoman Del Pepper; Catharine Puskar; Jay Thomas and Carolyn S. Wilder.

Anderson spoke about the history of SSA, the growth of programs such as Meals on Wheels and the development this summer of a "Friendly Visitors" program to provide companion visits with homebound seniors.

“I am very excited to have a board that is so committed to helping our most vulnerable citizens,” said SSA executive director Janet Barnett. “We are fortunate to have generous donors such as the Ron Bradley Foundation, Alexandria Rotary and Yellow Cab. With such a dedicated board and officers, we will continue to provide the best possible services and treat those we serve with dignity and respect.”

For more information on Senior Services of Alexandria, call 703-836-4414 or visit www.seniorservicesalex.org.