Our Board
The California Foundation on Aging is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors composed of experts with deep experience and knowledge of the programs and issues affecting California’s aging population. Their commitment and guidance are the bedrock of our work.
Peter Hansel
Chair
Peter Hansel
Chair
Peter Hansel is a retired health care policy analyst and advocate. He previously served as CEO of CalPACE, a statewide association dedicated to the expansion of comprehensive health care services to the frail elderly in California, and as Staff Director to the CA Senate Health Committee. He is currently a volunteer advocate for AARP California. He holds an MBA with concentration in public administration from the University of Chicago and a BA in Psychology from Carleton College.
Rita Saenz
Vice Chair
Rita Saenz
Vice Chair
Rita Saenz serves as Special Advisor to the Academy for Coaching Excellence (ACE). Previously, she led ACE as CEO after beginning as a community organizer. She also advises the California Executive Committee of AARP and mentors participants in Cresciente, a leadership development program for Latino/a managers. In addition, she serves on the California Department of Aging’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection Committee and as an at-large member of the Area Agency on Aging.
Throughout her distinguished public service career, Saenz served for nine years as a Commissioner on the California Commission on Aging. She directed the California Office on Alcoholism, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, the California Department of Social Services, and the Employment Development Department following appointments by the Governor. She also managed gubernatorial appointments as Appointments Secretary under Governor Jerry Brown and represented Xerox as California Government Affairs Director.
Monique Parrish
Board Member
Monique Parrish
Board Member
Monique Parrish, DrPH, MPH, LCSW, is the Director of LifeCourse Strategies, a health care consulting firm focused on addressing the health and social service needs of underserved and underrepresented communities. Dr. Parrish provides project management, research, and strategic planning support to organizations and initiatives working to expand equitable access to palliative care, post-acute care, and caregiving services for low-income adults. In addition to her consulting work, she facilitates an online support group for caregivers and works part-time as a behavioral health provider at a local Federally Qualified Health Center.
Leticia Alejandrez
Board Member
Leticia Alejandrez
Board Member
Leticia Alejandrez is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in philanthropy, public policy, and strategic communications. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of these fields, dedicating her efforts to advancing equity and social justice. Leticia has led statewide communications campaigns, directed legislative policy strategy, and directed philanthropic programs to improve outcomes for under-represented communities. Leticia holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies. She has been appointed to various boards and committees, reflecting her expertise and leadership within her areas of focus. Currently, Leticia serves as an independent consultant specializing in strategic philanthropy, public affairs, and program management and development.
Karol Swartzlander
Secretary
Karol Swartzlander
Secretary
Karol Swartzlander has served as Executive Director of the California Commission on Aging since August 2019 and brings nearly 25 years of state service focused on aging and long-term services and supports. She has held positions in the Departments of Aging, Health Care Services, and Social Services, and led major federal initiatives under the California Health and Human Services Agency. Her work emphasizes innovative, collaborative solutions that support Californians in aging with choice and independence. She previously worked in international development and education in Asia and the U.S. and holds a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (PA) and a Bachelor of Arts in International-Intercultural Studies from the University of Montevallo (AL).
Donna Benton
Board Member
Donna Benton
Board Member
Donna Benton, PhD, is a Research Associate Professor of Gerontology at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She received her graduate training in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and was a gero-psychological postdoctoral fellow at USC/Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center. Benton is the Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center (FCSC) and the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center (LACRC). She has over 30 years of experience in providing direct service, advocacy and programs for families caring for persons with dementia. She was appointed to the CA Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Advisory Commission and the CA Commission on Aging (CCOA). Her research focus is on the development of online evidence-based interventions for family caregivers to improve mental and physical health and well being and prevention of elder mistreatment. She also serves as a mentor to students interested in advocacy for caregivers.
Dr. Adriene Lexy Davis
Board Member
Dr. Adriene Lexy Davis
Board Member
Dr. Adriene “Lexy” Davis, Ed.D. is an award-winning workforce strategist, public appointee, and nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing workforce, education, and economic development systems across California. She currently serves as Commissioner for the California Commission on Aging and Treasurer and Board Member for the California Foundation on Aging, where she helps advance initiatives that support the health, economic security, dignity, and well-being of older adults statewide.
Dr. Davis is the Founder and CEO of the Intermediary Development Corporation and Executive Director of the Southern California Apprenticeship Network (SCAN), leading cross-sector partnerships that expand workforce pathways, registered apprenticeships, and economic mobility opportunities. A recognized advocate for age-inclusive workforce strategies, she is passionate about helping older adults remain engaged, purposeful, and economically secure through lifelong learning, reskilling, entrepreneurship, and meaningful community connection.
Barry Brewer
Board Member
Barry Brewer
Board Member
Prior to retirement, Barry Brewer worked at the state capitol for 25 years and contributed extensively to the legislative process and policy making for the state of California. He served as the Chief Consultant to the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-term Care. He also served as Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Labor Statistics at Employee Development Department. He was a policy advisor to several state legislators including Senate President Pro Tems John Burton and Bill Lockyer, State Senator Barbara Lee, Assemblymember Mervyn Dymally, and Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro. He also held positions at the Senate Office of Research, the Legislative Analyst Office and the Congressional Research Service. He proudly holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Sacramento State, and a master's degree in economics from the University of Maryland at College Park.