April 2024
IAGB Community Spotlight
Jean Patel Bushnell – Director, Billerica Council on Aging
A role model for many, Jean continues to strive for excellence. Jean has been the Director of the BCOA since April of 2016. Prior to that, she held several leadership positions designing and implementing services to better the life quality of seniors; including as Executive Director of the Independent Transportation Network of Greater Boston enrolling over 500 members across 21 towns in Massachusetts to get seniors to medical and non-medical appointments. In addition Jean has run an assisted living community, led business development for the VNA of Boston and held several key roles at Lifeline Systems (now Philips Lifeline). Jean is passionate about the wellness and life quality of seniors and is working with local aging services agencies, businesses, healthcare and civic organizations and all her peers at the town level, to help seniors in Billerica age in the community with dignity and adequate support.
With a BS degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and an MBA from the University of Chicago, Jean is hard-wired for cooperation and collaboration and gifted in building and sustaining relationships of trust. She is a forward-thinking leader who is proactive and creative in supporting the evolving needs of our seniors in the community and beyond. An avid gardener that makes her a nurturing leader, she is passionate about constantly asking ‘why’ and challenging the status quo.
Jean has been IAGB’s rock solid support for the past 3 years at its Flag Hoisting events in the town of Billerica. She has always shown up with great vigor and enthusiasm cheering team IAGB in raising the national flag of India and honoring the US national flag.
This time around, Jean has stepped up in her support for IAGB and its social/civic endeavors. She has been instrumental in connecting IAGB with the Town of Billerica as a result of which, IAGB’s signature event, New England Seniors Expo will be conducted in collaboration with the Town of Billerica in the Billerica Town Hall.
IAGB says “BRAVO” to forward thinking, conscientious leaders like Jean Bushnell, who operate out of passion to excel and love for the community!
Bio
Jean Ambika Bushnell continues to leverage the intrinsic benefits of collaboration and meaningful community engagement to achieve diverse levels of outcomes and impact, and sustainable system-level changes.
Currently the Director of the Billerica Council on Aging, a position she has held for 8+ years. Through executive leadership positions at ITNGreater Boston Senior Transportation, a national model, Standish Village Assisted Living, VNA of Boston, United Way of Mass Bay and Lifeline Systems Jean has passionately evolved aging services organizations through clear strategic thinking, creative programming and aggressive community partnering. Jean holds an MBA from the University of Chicago specializing in Marketing and a BS in Food Technology with highest honors from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Her community involvement past and present include:
- Member, 1997-present, and Co-Chair of the Mentoring Committee, The Boston Club for Women Leaders
- Two-term Board President 2001 -2005, Ethos, an Aging Services Access Point
- Member, Oversight Committee 2006-2007, Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ SeniorDirect Program Board Member, 2011 – 2014, Discovering What’s Next
- Board Member 2012-2016, MetroWest Nonprofit Network
- Board Member 7/15 -9/17, Member Finance and Development Committees, FriendshipWorks Inc. – Vice President, 7/17 -present, Billerica Lions Club
- Co-Chair, 11/17-present, Dementia Friendly Billerica Movement
- Board Member 7/2020 – present, Elder Services of Merrimack Valley/North Shore, (now AgeSpan), private non-profit agency serving a diverse population, including older adults, caregivers, families and those with disabilities, in 28 towns and cities across northeastern Massachusetts.
- Board Member 6/2022 – present, Strafford Community Nursing Program, VT, providing support, guidance, education and peace of mind to Strafford residents who may be experiencing illness, aging needs, disability, or family care overload.
IAGB Events Recap
Heartfelt Thanks for Your Generosity to Our Winter Coat Drive
We are delighted to share a heartwarming recap of the Winter Coats Drive organized by IAGB, February through March 2024.
Spring is here and the temperature is warming up, yet there are families and individuals struggling to stay warm. IAGB wanted to take a moment to express our sincerest gratitude for your incredible response to our winter coat drive. Your generosity and support have truly warmed our hearts, and we are overwhelmed by the kindness you have shown.
Thanks to your contributions, we have been able to make a significant difference in the lives of those in need during these cold winter months. Your donation of coats will provide warmth, comfort, and protection to individuals and families who may otherwise have struggled to stay warm.
Your willingness to give back to the community reflects your compassion and empathy, and it is truly inspiring. Your support not only helps meet a basic need but also sends a powerful message of care and solidarity to those facing hardships.
On behalf of the benefactor of this drive, Action for Boston Community Development, Inc., IAGB extends its deepest thanks to you for your generosity and kindness. Your donation will have a lasting impact, and we are immensely grateful for your support.
Thank you once again for your thoughtfulness and generosity. We couldn’t have achieved such success without you.
