Blagojevich names new Director on Aging

CHICAGO - Today Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced another key appointment to his administration. Charles D. Johnson was named Director of the Department on Aging, the state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to the needs of senior citizens.

Johnson, a resident of Frankfort, Illinois, has been serving as Executive Director of the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging.

"State government must take the lead in making sure our senior citizens have access to the services they need to be healthy and independent," said Gov. Blagojevich. "Charles Johnson brings to his new position a wealth of knowledge and a record of success on senior issues. I am confident he will be an effective and responsive leader as we move forward with my agenda to improve care for senior citizens."

Johnson has worked for the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging since 1974. The agency serves Illinois' fastest growing counties: DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will. Under Johnson's leadership, the agency implemented and expanded community based services that promote independent living, including transportation assistance, home delivered meals, support for caregivers, and community care programs. He has been a vocal advocate for elder abuse prevention and response services as well as expanded senior pharmaceutical assistance programs.

From 1967 to 1972, Johnson served as Deputy Director and Director of Neighborhood Centers for the Community Action Agency in Kankakee.

He earned his bachelor's degree in history and education from Lane College, a historically black college in Jackson, Tennessee. He has earned graduate credits in public administration from Governors State University and credits in gerontology from the University of Southern California.

"The services provided by the Department on Aging are critical to many older people," said the Governor. "Mr. Johnson shares my commitment to making sure every taxpayer penny going to the Department on Aging is being used to improve the lives of seniors."