By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Sometimes slipping into a new role comes naturally when you have been working with an organization for nearly two decades. For Cassandra Herschler, working alongside retired Council on Aging Executive Director Peg Wells for so many years didn’t hurt, either.
“I absolutely learned a lot from her over the years,” Herschler said. “Following her, I’m hoping to be able to fill her shoes and grow from everything I did learn from her.”
Wells, who began working at the agency in 1996 as the in-home services director and took over as executive director in 2002, announced her intent to retire last November. She headed the agency as it sought a 0.8 mils renewal levy in 2014 and when it broke ground last September for a $390,000 kitchen project.
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The Council on Aging Board of Trustees announced Herschler as the new executive director effective Jan. 4. Now, it is Herschler’s turn to captain the Council on Aging and she feels secure that her 18 years at the agency will be a big benefit.
“I know the workings of the building, the workings of all the programs, the clients, all the ins and outs,” said Herschler. “Just learning and watching and getting the feel of the building over all these years.”
Already significant changes are on the horizon. The kitchen facility, located right beside Council on Aging on South Spring Street, is expected to be completed in February.
“I already know a lot about that department so I’m going to be able to hopefully help the new director of that department,” Herschler said. “I’ll be learning right along with him with the new equipment – which will be a new experience, enlightening and fun because we’re so excited about the new building.”
Herschler knows there will be challenges she has to face, especially as the agency begins its push to start activities. She, along with the Board of Trustees, hopes to get the community more involved with Council on Aging when it comes to interests and activities.
“That’s going to be the big push right now, along with the new building and hopefully doing more catering,” Herschler said. “I think it’s time to basically get out there and reach the different areas of the county that maybe aren’t being reached right now. That’s hopefully another focus, too.
“I think that we’re fortunate, though, because there are a lot of counties that sometimes don’t have what we have. So hopefully we can build on that,” she added.
Herschler is excited to helm the Council on Aging.
“I’m so blessed. I’m so excited for the change. I have a passion for it, obviously – I’ve been here all these years,” Herschler said. “The staff makes it so much easier, too. They’re wonderful; they’re the best.”