December 15, 2015
NARA’s Jo Etta Brown Elected Executive Vice President for National Alliance for Retired Americans
Jo Etta Brown interviewed on “Our Own Voices” on Memorial Day regarding Older Americans Month (39:02 to 1:06:12) / wma file
Jo Etta Brown of Gardnerville Elected Executive Vice President for Alliance for Retired Americans
An experienced advocate and passionate activist, Gardnerville resident Jo Etta Brown was elected Executive Vice President of the Alliance for Retired Americans at the recent Alliance for Retired Americans national membership convention in Las Vegas.
After thirty years of corporate banking experience and significant community involvement, Jo Etta put her skills and interests to work with the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans in 2007, working as their Treasurer. Brown joined the Alliance Regional Board for the Western Region in 2010 and led trainings in the western states. As a leader for the Alliance for Retired Americans Community Advocacy Network (CAN), Jo Etta Brown’s professional skills have translated seamlessly into developing Alliance activists into leaders through trainings as well as forming community alliances.
When Brown began her career in banking, few women were found in management. She found herself advocating for equal pay while working in the executive offices at American Savings Bank.
Brown was appointed to the Mayors Council under Mayor Bradley in Los Angeles where she conducted community block grant funding and urban development projects. She has testified before the United States Congress regarding Affordable Housing and Urban Development and had her work in the area of affordable housing referenced in the “Lending & Diversity” handbook used in the USC School of Business Management. Brown also assisted with the creation of a community-based bank and helped to write over 275 business plans resulting in over $10 million in loans for small businesses. She served as the Governor of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Desert Coast Region, which services 62 clubs and over 2900 members and works to improve the lives of women and girls. Most recently, as a Douglas County Planning Commissioner, she helped to determine age standards for seniors, resulting in the first affordable housing project for seniors in the area. More on her awards and recognitions here.
Scott Watts, President of the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans, said, “As one of the top officers of the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans, Jo Etta has done such great work for us as well as for the national Alliance. She is so dependable and incredibly compassionate when it comes to senior issues. She will be a tremendous asset as the Alliance for Retired Americans continues to grow.”
Richard Fiesta, Executive Director for the Alliance for Retired Americans, said, “Jo Etta has a tremendous capacity to form partnerships with diverse groups and individuals. We are so honored and excited to welcome her into her new role.