Building for the Future -
Age-Friendly Sullivan Navigates a Leadership Transition
Candy eaton and Kim brooks

In January of 2025, I alerted Sullivan of my desire to step down as Age-Friendly Sullivan Coordinator by the end of the year, in order for others to consider stepping up.  While the Town serves as our fiscal sponsor, our volunteer-based ad-hoc committee has remarkable flexibility in developing projects to meet the needs and desires of our community.  Our projects are outcome-based, incorporating deliverables, funding and resources necessary for successful activities.

Initially, private foundation grants provided funding for expenses, with all labor provided by volunteers.  After 2 years, we submitted a small request to Sullivan for sustainability funding to keep existing projects active, while continuing to submit grant proposals for all new projects. 

In 2024, Age-Friendly Sullivan was selected as a Community Connector pilot site. This project, too, was outcome-based, structured around three objectives encompassing activity, engagement, output, and outcome. Following a successful first year, we were invited to continue into Year Two and proposed modifications that included a new paid, part-time Community Coordinator position. This role carries broad responsibilities: administrative and financial oversight, community engagement, communications, partnership development, advocacy, outreach, data collection, and program design and implementation. Fortunately, Kim Brooks has a stunning skill-set with experience and confidence appropriate for this role.  

Throughout the summer, I developed a written orientation plan of current and historic responsibilities, which included electronic attachments of grants, contacts, communication, descriptions of projects and events.  

Candy Eaton, Founding Coordinator, Age-Friendly Sullivan

Candy Eaton

Sullivan is chosen as a Community Connector Pilot site
Pictured: Kim Brooks, Misty Gleason, and Candy Eaton

Kim Brooks

 Candy planned and executed a two phased leadership transition that first provided awareness and then structured orientation. The gradual transition allowed me to slowly integrate into the role as I was transitioning away from other commitments. 

In the first phase, from June through August, she made me aware of Age-Friendly Sullivan programs by copying me on all key communications and allowing me to join events and meetings as I was able. This gave me the opportunity to observe and develop a cursory understanding of the programs. I entered the structured orientation with a baseline familiarity and was able to focus on the administrative and tactical functions. 

During the second phase, from September through December, I took the drivers seat and handled the leadership functions with coaching from Candy. This was ideal. I gained confidence in the process while learning, and Candy ensured that nothing fell through the cracks. Armed with the electronic orientation materials Candy had provided at the beginning of the process, I was able to consult the documentation first, and seek clarification where needed.  I was fortunate to have had the time to go through a few cycles of regular programming as well as host events.  Candy’s documentation, knowledge, and guidance were the perfect bridge.  I appreciate knowing that she will be available to assist Age-Friendly Sullivan as a volunteer and mentor.