The North Carolina Coalition on Aging created the Pioneer Award to honor individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions to aging services in the state. The award also helps raise awareness about the ongoing work to meet the needs of older North Carolinians.
This year’s recipient, Janice Tyler, has dedicated her 38-year career to improving the lives of older adults in Orange County. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1981, Janice began her career in long-term care as an activity director, social worker, and administrator. She joined the Orange County Department on Aging in 1987 as the senior centers administrator and became director in 2011.
Under Janice’s leadership, the Department on Aging and its two senior centers have become models for comprehensive senior services. Both centers are recognized as Centers of Excellence by the NC Division of Aging and are nationally accredited by the National Council on Aging.
Key initiatives led by Janice include:
- Creating dementia-friendly business recognition programs
- Launching Project EngAGE, a 13-week training program that prepares older adults to serve as community resource leaders
- Forming the Aging Transitions Team, which collaborates with social workers, therapists, and EMS to support older adults and their families
- Expanding services for diverse and bilingual populations
- Planning for an aging community, including development of five Master Aging Plans, including the current 2022–2027 plan, and helping Orange County become the first county in North Carolina to join the AARP/WHO Age-Friendly Community Network
Beyond her local impact, Janice is a respected state and national leader. She has served as:
- Chair of the NC Senior Center Alliance
- President (2014–2016) and board member of the North Carolina Association on Aging
- Vice-Chair (2016–2018) of the NC Coalition on Aging Board
- Co-lead of the “Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime” workgroup for the All Ages All Stages Multi-Sector Plan on Aging
Her dedication, vision, and advocacy continue to shape how North Carolina supports its aging population.
For Media Inquiries:
Kristin Prelipp, Asst. Community Relations Director
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov
(office) 919.245.2322