WASHINGTON—AARP today welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors, Rosanna A. Márquez and Jeffrey D. Dunn. The Board of Directors is the governing body of AARP, setting policy and providing strategic direction and governance oversight for the organization.  

Rosanna A. Márquez currently serves as the AARP Illinois State President, working closely with the state office’s Executive Council to shape and drive AARP Illinois’ advocacy work on behalf of its 1.7 million members. With an extensive career in public service, policymaking and philanthropy, Márquez was previously the President and CEO of the Eleanor Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on promoting economic security for working women. Prior, she was the Midwest Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Director of Programs under Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Her current volunteer board work also includes the Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corporation, Business and Professional People in the Public Interest, and Center for Illinois Politics.

“After serving as AARP Illinois State President and as a member of the national policy advisory council, I am thrilled to be elected to the AARP Board of Directors,” said Márquez. “I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and the AARP team to promote the financial security of the 50-plus; create more options for older adults to age in place; meet the needs of younger, increasingly diverse members; and address longstanding disparities in health and financial security.”

Jeffrey D. Dunn is a former American media executive who spent his career leading brands and organizations through periods of significant change, financial growth and societal impact. Most recently, he served as Executive Chairman, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit educational media organization and producer of the television show Sesame Street. Prior, Dunn served as the President and CEO of the London-based HiT Entertainment, one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment producers with a portfolio including Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Barney. Dunn also served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nickelodeon Networks group and the President of Nickelodeon Film and Enterprises.

“I see service on AARP’s Board of Directors as a logical bookend to my work in children’s television. For both young children and older adults, we need to expand opportunities for learning and growth, focus on emotional and physical health, and create the conditions for each group to thrive,” said Dunn. “AARP has the research, the reach and the record to help drive positive change, and I am excited about my new role that will help bring people together.” 

For more information about the AARP Board of Directors, visit http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/board-of-directors.  

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.