Aging in Paradise hires new executive director

Suzy Brenner wears many hats around Aging in Paradise Resource Center.

From zumba instructor to communications specialist, Brenner knows most of the ins and outs of the center, which aims to enhance life for local seniors through various classes and workshops. From now on, however, Brenner will be wearing the hat of executive director.

As of Saturday, April 15, Brenner took over the position Donna Dunio retired from on April 13.

Brenner began volunteering at Aging in Paradise a year-and-a-half ago and was hired as the communications specialist six months ago. She said she thinks her knowledge of the center will help her ease into her new role without a momentum shift.

“I’m most looking forward to really planning and really starting ahead with our programming not only for summer but for next season,” she said.

The offer came as a surprise for her. She knows it was a tough search that garnered numerous applications.

Dunio retired from the position after three-and-a-half years. Upon Dunio’s retirement, Brenner said that Dunio laid the groundwork that will allow Aging in Paradise to continue to grow.

“There are a lot of big, not only shoes to fill, but big plans coming up,” she said.

Aging in Paradise Resource Center is located at 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive on the second floor of the Longboat Island Chapel.