The North Carolina Coalition on Aging created the Pioneer Award to honor individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to aging services in the state. The award also helps raise awareness about the ongoing work to meet the needs of older North Carolinians.
This year’s recipient, Janice Tyler, has dedicated her 38-year career to improving the lives of older adults in Orange County. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1981, Janice began her career in long-term care as an activity director, social worker, and administrator. She joined the Orange County Department on Aging in 1987 as the senior centers administrator and became director in 2011.
Under Janice’s leadership, the Department on Aging and its two senior centers have become models for comprehensive senior services. Both centers are recognized as Centers of Excellence by the NC Division of Aging and are nationally accredited by the National Council on Aging.
Key initiatives led by Janice include: