PRESQUE ISLE, ME — The longtime leader of the Aroostook Area on Aging has announced his retirement.
“It is with great appreciation for 42 years of outstanding leadership that the board of directors of the Aroostook Agency on Aging announces the retirement of our executive director, Stephen Farnham, effective Oct. 1, 2017,” said board member Ken Phelps in a press release.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 1974, Farnham began a lifelong career at the agency in January 1975. His first responsibility was in the area of advocacy and outreach. In October 1977, he was hired as the agency’s executive director.
“For 40 years, Steve’s unique combination of superior knowledge of elder issues, excellent communication and management skills, as well as a passion for the well-being of seniors, has enabled him to achieve the highest levels of effectiveness,” Phelps said.
Farnham is recognized as a leader in elder issues on both state and national levels. He is an active, respected member of the Maine Association of Agencies on Aging. From 2001-2012 he was a member of the Board of National Association of Agencies on Aging and also served on the Federal Council on Aging under Presidents George H. Bush and Clinton.
In 2008, the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce recognized Farnham as the 2008 Citizen of the Year. In 2007, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Maine State Bar Association for his advocacy on behalf of seniors. In addition, Rotary named him a Paul Harris Fellow.
An Eagle Scout, Farnham was awarded Scouting’s highest award for adults – Silver Beaver – for performing community service over the years. He continues to serve Scouting with the Mapleton troop and is a member of the District Committee.
He is president of the board of the Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS), a member of the Board of Visitors at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and is on the advisory council to Northern Maine Community College.
The Aroostook Area on Aging board has recently begun a search for a new executive director. Public recognition and appreciation events for Farnham are being planned for the last weekend in September.
