Alex Paul
A 1983 SHHS graduate has been named director of the Sweet Home Senior Center effective May 3.
Helen (Kennedy) Ramsdell was selected by the Senior Center Board of Directors after a field of some 20 applicants was narrowed to the top three by a committee of community citizens.
“I am elated to be able to offer the job to someone with a quality background and who brings a true enthusiasm and experience for the work,” said Senior Center board president Don Hopkins.
Hopkins said Ramsdell was a unanimous choice of the board.
“She brings a great background in working with non-profit organizations and her computer skills are outstanding,” Hopkins said. “She has very solid skills that were exhibited both on her resume and during her interview with the board. It was a unanimous selection.”
Hopkins said he was especially interested in hiring someone who “would be here every day, from 8-5, be compatible with both seniors and young people and someone who sees this position as more than just a job.”
He believes Ramsdell is the type of person who will enjoy coming to activities both at the center and in the community.
Ramsdell will take over a job vacated by the dismissal of former director Mike Riggle in March. (See related story this issue.)
The Senior Center has 11 employees and a budget of $300,000, the bulk of that associated with the Linn Shuttle and Dial-a-bus.
Ramsdell and her husband, Matt, are on a week-long vacation to Cancun, Mexico before she begins her new duties.
The couple married shortly after her graduation. Her husband was stationed in Germany for several years with the Army and was discharged in 1992.
They reared two sons and lived in the Salem area for 11 years. Last year they moved to Lebanon so Matt could be closer to his work at Entek Manufacturing.
Over the years, Ramsdell has held several jobs with non-profit organizations.
“I guess you could say non-profit management is my cup of tea,” Ramsdell said. “I like working with people who are volunteers and civic minded. I believe in supporting the community.”
She has held positions with the Alzheimer’s Association, Oregon Building Industry Association, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Home Builders Association of Greater Linn County in addition to being an in-home day care provider in Salem.
Ramsdell sees herself as “creative, flexible, reliable. She says she can work on self-managed projects and as a team member.
She also brings an extensive understanding of numerous computer programs to the new position, something that was highly valued by the board of directors since much of the job deals with filing reports and grant applications for the transportation programs operated by the center.
Ramsdell said she is looking for a long-term relationship with the Senior Center.
“I loved working with the Alzheimer’s Association. It was very rewarding. I like making a difference in people’s lives and I believe I can do that at the Senior Center,” Ramsdell said.
The Ramsdells are starting a Church of Christ in Lebanon (they have been driving to Salem since their move) and fittingly, it meets at the Lebanon Senior Center.
Outside of work, Ramsdell enjoys scrapbooking, camping and traveling.