By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
In her youth, Alisha Nenadovich was surrounded by senior citizens – forming close bonds with her four grandparents and learning to appreciate the richness they brought to her life.
That appreciation for older folks only continued to grow, as Nenadovich studied gerontology and has spent her career working with senior citizens.
On April 6, she will take on a new challenge helping the same population as executive director of the Wood County Committee on Aging.
Nenadovich was selected for the position by a unanimous vote of the WCCOA Board on Wednesday at the Wood County Senior Center. She will fill the role previously held by Denise Niese, who died last November.
Nenadovich is dedicated to carrying on the legacy established by her predecessor.
“I am really excited to get started,” Nenadovich said. “I’m excited to get back to Bowling Green and serve the older adults here.”
For the past five years, she has been executive director of Brookdale senior care in Findlay, where she was in charge of budgets, personnel and resident care. She is a certified dementia practitioner. Prior to her position in Findlay, she worked at the Brookdale facility in Bowling Green.
“I have a passion for serving older adults” and connecting them with resources, Nenadovich said after the meeting. “It’s important for someone to recognize that and advocate for them.”
Though two decades have passed, a couple members of the WCCOA Board recalled having Nenadovich in their gerontology classes at Bowling Green State University.
Dr. Nancy Orel said she recognized Nenadovich’s dedication to seniors, “even back then” – noting that she was selected one year as gerontology student of the year.
Since then, Orel followed her student’s career path.
“I’ve seen her work with residents. Her compassion is genuine,” Orel said. “She’s the perfect package.”
Filling the space held by Niese, a beloved figure in the county, will be a challenge, Orel acknowledged. But she has confidence in the selection.
“Alisha will bring her own unique style,” Orel said.
“I know that you’re in great hands with Alisha,” Orel said.
Nenadovich worked with Niese on senior issues over the years – and is aware of Niese’s status in the county and at the state level. She is hoping to build on those connections.
“I certainly will never replace Denise. She was one of a kind,” Nenadovich said. But she intends to carry on Niese’s legacy. “It’s definitely going to be a challenge for me. But the bottom line is it’s still taking care of older adults.”
She admired Niese’s willingness to listen to concerns and work to solve problems. “I hope everyone feels the same about me.”
Nenadovich is well aware of the services provided and the reputation earned by the Wood County Committee on Aging.
“We certainly do a phenomenal job of serving our seniors,” she said, adding that she considers advocating for local seniors as a big part of her job. She is also aware of the increasing needs as the numbers of seniors continue to grow, many with the goal of living independently.
Growing up alongside four “incredible” grandparents taught Nenadovich to value the experiences and stories of seniors. “They were all very different, but they meant a lot to me.”
She built on that love in college, when she recorded stories of seniors for an internship project.
And she intends to build on that more as executive director of WCCOA.
“I look forward to meeting every single one of them,” she said. “I think I have a lot to learn, but I think I have proven myself.”
Nenadovich, whose annual salary will be $105,000, is just the third person to hold the executive director position since the formation of the WCCOA in 1975.
She and her husband, Bart, live in Bowling Green with their two children, Riley and Logan. Nenadovich has a history of community service. She serves on Wood County Hospital Foundation Board, is past president of the BG Kiwanis Club, and has coached with the BG Soccer Club.
“She knows the community like the back of her hand,” Orel said.
WCCOA Board member Eric Myers thanked Orel for stepping in as interim executive director after Niese’s death. The board members voiced their appreciation for Orel’s ability to provide stability during a tough time of transition.
