Mayor Richard Kos and Council on Aging Chair, Claire Gemme, today announced the appointment of Sherry Manyak as the new Executive Director of the Council on Aging. Manyak is a 2014 graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Amherst most recently working as a General Manager at New North Citizens’ Council, Inc.

The appointment is effective January 17, 2017 for an opportunity to interact with the current Director Sandra Lapollo. She will begin full-time effective January 23, 2017.

Mayor Kos accepted the recommendation of the Council on Aging Search Committee after their extensive interview process. The Committee focused on looking for individuals with strong leadership skills, as well as experience with need assessments for communities and implementation of programming.

“I look forward to working with Sherry to benefit the Senior Center and our community going forward,” said Kos.

“I am very pleased that Mayor Kos has accepted the recommendation of the Council on Aging Search Committee,” said Claire Gemme. “The Council on Aging looks forward to working with Sherry to strive to make the Senior Center the best it can be. Sherry brings a wealth of management experience to the Center.”

The City of Chicopee opened the RiverMills Senior Center in September 2014. The building is approximately 22,500 square feet and serves the community in numerous ways in addition to its role as the community Senior Center.