Rosanne DiStefano, MA

Executive Director, Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.

Rosanne DiStefano has been Executive Director of Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. (ESMV) since 1985, and worked in the aging network since the beginning of her career as a care manager in 1975. ESMV is an organization known for its innovation and leadership both in aging policy and community based programs. Rosanne received her Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs from Boston University in 1985 due to her strong interest in learning what it takes to design more livable communities for older adults. Rosanne has held office with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Massachusetts Gerontology Association, Massachusetts Home Care Association and Lifetime Elder Care Solutions and currently holds membership with these and many other state and national organizations including the EBLC. As Executive Director she successfully pursued funding to develop three affordable supportive housing sites for elders in the Merrimack Valley. Rosanne has served as a Trustee of Holy Family Hospital and is now actively engaged in care transitions work with the six community based hospitals in the Merrimack Valley in an effort to reduce unnecessary readmissions. She is an alumnus of the National Leadership Institute on Aging and credits this experience with her very broad vision for the role of Area Agencies and the Aging network. Rosanne is committed to continuously improving the access and quality of health and social programs for older adults and under her leadership ESMV sponsors and is a founding member of the nationally recognized Healthy Living Center of Excellence. She has also been in the forefront of creating stronger delivery systems for dually eligible elders and adults, creating bridges and creative partnerships with Senior Care Organizations, Accountable Care Organizations, and Medical Homes. Rosanne is especially proud to have her organization named one of Boston Globe’s Best 100 Places to Work for the past 4 years.