AARP appoints Lane as its New York president

AARP, a national nonprofit advocacy group for people 50 years of age and older, today announced the appointment of Neal Lane as its New York state president.

Lane is a former director of the New York State Office of the Aging, AARP said in a news release.

In his new role, Lane will serve as lead spokesperson for AARP New York with the media, opinion leaders, legislators and the public, the organization said.

He will also chair the AARP New York executive council, a volunteer leadership committee that helps set AARP’s state agenda and programs for its 2.5 million members.

He first joined the executive council back in 2007, the organization said.

“Neal Lane’s exemplary background in the field of aging and his dedication to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers as we age makes him an invaluable asset to AARP New York members,”  Beth Finkel, AARP New York director, said in the news release.

Lane has led a number of service agencies at the county and state levels, most recently as director of the state Office for the Aging under Gov. George Pataki.

He was also selected to lead the New York delegation to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, the organization said.

Lane also served as a member of AARP’s National Policy Council, an advisory committee to the AARP board of directors that helps provide input on state long-term care issues and makes national public-policy recommendations.

Lane holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University, according to AARP.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com