Madame President

USC Davis School Assistant Dean Maria Henke named president of the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics
By Jonathan Riggs

Assistant Dean Maria Henke Photo credit: C. McDowell / The Image Artist © 2011

The California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics (CCGG) has announced that longtime board member and USC Davis School Assistant Dean Maria Henke would become its new president.

“I consider it a privilege to take charge of this wonderful organization,” Henke said. “I am honored to continue the work begun by the great Jim Birren.”

Founded in 1980, CCGG is a statewide nonprofit organization that informs and integrates educational programs, work force development and public policy in order to promote the quality of life of California’s diverse aging population. To many older adults and their families, the California Council serves as a lifeline that links them to service providers, legislators and academicians.

Henke brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education to her appointment, including tenures as program director of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and as Assistant Dean of the USC Davis School of Gerontology.

"Maria will bring her famous energy and creativity to this important leadership position,” says USC Davis School Dean Gerald C. Davison. “Both CCGG and the Davis School will benefit immensely."

For her part, Henke is excited to take the California Council’s helm and shine the spotlight on the true future of the field.

"My focus will be on students: making sure there is a common, constantly improving curriculum and that workplaces understand that our students are uniquely trained and qualified," Henke said. "Gerontology is coming of age-no pun intended-and collectively, academic programs need to work together to ensure our students have opportunities and are recognized as valuable potential employees as well as invaluable contributors to our aging society."