The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) appointed Ron Chew as the new volunteer AARP Washington State President. “In his role, Chew will help lead the organization’s activities on behalf of more than 870,000 Washington State members and provide leadership in long-range planning to help meet the needs of the state’s older adults and their families,” AARP said in the announcement.
“I’m truly excited to collaborate with Washington’s AARP volunteers and staff,” Chew said in a statement. “As an older adult myself, I recognize the importance of ensuring that people can age according to their desires and have the necessary supports in place.”
Chew himself retired as director of the International Community Health Services Foundation in 2020, where he helped the organization expand into Shoreline and Bellevue. ICHS named its in-progress Ron Chew Healthy Aging and Wellness Center project at Beacon Pacific Village (set to open in Fall this year) after him.
Chew is nationally renowned for his work as director of the Wing Luke Museum, where he led a successful $23 million capital campaign to preserve the East Kong Yick building as a new home for the museum. He also worked as a reporter and editor of the International Examiner newspaper for 13 years. (Disclosure: Until recently, Chew was also a board member of the International Examiner, and is a current contributing writer to the International Examiner.)
Chew is a lifelong Seattleite, and is a trustee of Seattle Public Libraries.
“Meeting the diverse needs of older Washingtonians requires empathy, innovation, and a profound respect for their life experiences,” Chew said in a statement. “AARP is uniquely poised to address these challenges. Issues like health security and future financial stability impact not only today’s older adults but also their families and friends for generations to come.”
Chew also emphasized the importance of supporting Washington’s more than 820,000 family caregivers with resources and connections.
“Ron has made significant contributions to community healthcare and the humanities, exemplifying leadership and dedication in both fields,” said AARP State Director Marguerite Ro in a statement. “Ron’s experience and dedication to community service and advocacy is notable, and his leadership will serve our members well.”
