Biography
For more than 25 years, James P. Firman, Ed.D. has been a leading force for innovation in services and programs for older adults. Under his leadership, NCOA has developed many nationally acclaimed programs to improve the health, independence, and continuing contributions of older adults. He has also directed NCOA’s development of world-class core competencies in expert systems, diffusion of innovation, public-private partnerships, and advocacy.
Dr. Firman has served in several national leadership roles, including Chair of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (twice), Chair of the Access to Benefits Coalition, and Board Member of Generations United and the National Human Services Assembly. Prior to joining NCOA as president and CEO in January 1995, Dr. Firman served 10 years as founder and CEO of the United Seniors Health Cooperative (USHC), a nonprofit consumer organization. At USHC, he directed the development of the nation’s first line-of-credit reverse mortgages, the Cooperative Caring Network, a major community-wide volunteer service-credit program that helps frail and disabled persons remain at home. He also helped develop the early versions of BenefitsCheckUp, now one of NCOA’s key ways of helping low-income seniors. . From 1981 to 1984, Dr. Firman served as a senior program officer at The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where he helped develop initiatives in aging and healthcare finance, as well as the model Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program. He is a co-founder of Grantmakers in Aging. Dr. Firman earned his M.B.A. and his Ed.D degrees from Columbia University. |
