Pasadena Village Welcomes New Executive Director

The Pasadena Village, a non-profit organization supporting older adults who wish to age in place, is pleased to announce the selection of Peggy Buchanan as its new Executive Director. Buchanan will take over the role from Sue Kujawa, who steps down July 1.

Buchanan brings significant non-profit experience and business acumen to the Village, serving most recently as the Director of Sales and Marketing for MonteCedro, and prior to that as Executive Director of the Pasadena Senior Center. Buchanan first became aware of the Village movement during a trip to Boston, where she spent some time visiting Beacon Hill Village. She has been a proponent ever since.

A longtime resident of Pasadena, Buchanan is committed to helping older adults thrive in a supportive community. “I am thrilled to be joining the Pasadena Village and excited to help us move into a new era. The best part about the organization is the wonderful caring community that is growing to help everyone age happily and healthily,” Buchanan said.

“We are delighted to have found someone with Peggy’s proven track record and a deep passion for the Village movement. After three years of getting up and running, the Pasadena Village will be in good hands as we continue to grow and prosper,” said Board President Mike Babcock. “I have every confidence that the Pasadena Village will continue to benefit from the talented, committed leadership of its members and supporters,” Kujawa added.

The transition marks the first major change in organization leadership since its inception in 2012. During her tenure as Executive Director, Kujawa ushered the Pasadena Village from its beginning stages into a full-fledged non-profit. “It has been a transforming experience for me and I am deeply grateful,” said Kujawa, who fostered the Village’s growth from its 50 charter members into a thriving community of over 135 older adults (not to mention volunteers of all ages).

Kujawa is not new to retirement, but thinks that this time is for keeps. “I look forward to being a “regular” member of the Pasadena Village! I want to go hiking and try bird watching. I want to drive people to medical appointments, bring meals to them when they are under the weather, and continue to develop the friendships and relationships that have become so meaningful to me in these past few years,” she said.

The Pasadena Village is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization connecting older adults to programs, services, and cultural activities that empower them to stay independent, active, and engaged in the community. For more information about the Pasadena Village, call (626) 765-6037 or visit www.pasadenavillage.org.