Nancy McPherson

Background

About Nancy McPherson

If there is a common thread that runs through my career—whether a State Director at AARP or Bureau Director at major city police departments—it is transformation: the ability to identify what needs to change, and the determination and competencies to make those changes succeed. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to do this repeatedly for three decades—managing multimillion-dollar budgets and staffs of up to 200—and grateful to have been recognized for what my efforts have accomplished. For example: As State Director of AARP California, I led the restructuring of state operations in four metropolitan offices, creating a multi-year strategy to position AARP as a trusted leader in building more livable, age-friendly communities. As a result, in 2017 I was named a Visionary Award 30-in-30 Honoree by the Southern California Leadership Network. As State Director of AARP Louisiana, I led a complete reorganization to support livable communities statewide and created a productive partnership with the New Orleans community of Hollygrove, devasted by Katrina, with our team receiving one of 10 national awards from MetLife Foundation for our impact on older adult well-being. Prior to that I established a 20-year track record improving the performance and accountability of municipal governments, beginning with implementing Problem Oriented Policing (POP) in the San Diego Police Dept, an effort recognized by the National League of Cities as one of the nation’s top three drug enforcement programs. I served as Bureau Director in both the Seattle and Portland police departments, successful in improving operations and services in IT, crime analysis, crime reduction, crime prevention, victim assistance, recruitment, training, labor negotiations, and more. And from 1990-2009, concurrent with my full-time positions, I served as a special consultant to police, community and government organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally. My career is built on a solid educational foundation. I received my bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University, Master of Public Administration at Old Dominion University, and completed numerous professional development courses. With focus, energy and enthusiasm, I embrace challenge and change in dynamic environments.