WASHINGTON, DC-The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) recently bestowed its top honor for leadership in the Aging Services Network to Nancy Peace, a former director with more that 35 years of service in the field of aging.  She is currently employed at the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency. "Nancy Peace, Community Outreach and Resource Manager for the Upper Cumberland human Resource Agency, is a real asset to the UCHRA and the people of the State of Tennessee.  Her foresight, initiative, and persistence have paved the way for independence of senior citizens not only in the Upper Cumberland and the State of Tennessee but the nation.  I applaud the n4a President Lynn Kellogg in her recognition of a competent, dedicated public servant," Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director of the UCHRA stated.

Annually, n4a presents the President's Award to honor a person who has helped to advance the mission of the organization.  Current n4a President Lynn Kellogg said, "It is my pleasure to join in this great tradition with the presentation of the 2009 President's Award to Nancy C. Peace.  We celebrate the many achievements of her tireless efforts and her many contributions to the Aging Services Network throughout her career."

Well known to aging services leaders, Mrs. Peace has dedicated her career to the Aging Services Network and to the needs of older persons.  In addition to her longtime leadership of the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability, Mrs. Peace served as President of n4a from 1986-1988.  She also has held a Special Assignment to the U.S. Assistant Secretary on Aging assisting with the design and implementation of the National Eldercare Campaign, and served in a myriad of other leadership positions helping to build a society that values and supports people as they age.  Mrs. Peace remains actively engaged today with the upper Cumberland human Resource Agency, a multi-service agency that also serves as an Older Americans Act funded service provider.

"My journey with the aging network has offered many challenges; has taught me to be aware of problems and given me the ability to know where to look for solutions," Mrs. Peace said in accepting the award.  "I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to have a career with the aging network; being a part of n4a has had a positive impact on my career and life---it is with much humility that I accept this award."

n4a is the leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the country and a champion for Title VI Native American aging programs.  n4a's primary mission is to build the capacity of its members to help older persons and persons with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible (www.n4a.org).

Submitted by UCHRA