JFS’s Dana Toppel Elected as Vice Chair of California Commission on Aging

Dana Toppel

SACRAMENTO  (Press Release) — The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has elected David Lindeman, PhD, as its new Chair, with Dana Toppel, LCSW, MBA, stepping into the role of Vice Chair, following the October 21 General Meeting in San Bernardino.

Lindeman, who has served as Vice Chair for two years, will take over from outgoing Chair Cheryl Brown. Chair Lindeman and Vice Chair Toppel bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and commitment to advance CCoA’s mission to support California’s older adult population.

“As California’s older adult population grows rapidly, we are seeing important shifts in diversity and encountering new challenges for healthy aging,” said Lindeman. “The California Commission on Aging is dedicated to working with state government and stakeholders to position California as a national leader in empowering older adults and addressing their challenges. I am excited to take on the role of Commission Chair and continue the excellent work of our immediate past Chair, Cheryl Brown.”

Lindeman, a gerontologist with nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare, long-term care, and research, has served on the CCoA for four years. His expertise spans healthcare solutions, policy, and research in aging. Lindeman serves as Executive Director of CITRIS Health, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), UC Berkeley, and Director of the Center for Technology and Aging. His work advances innovative and emerging models in California and nationally. As Chair, Lindeman will focus on policies that address disparity and promote empowerment and inclusivity for older adults across the state.

Dana Toppel, the newly elected Vice Chair, has been a dedicated member of the Commission since 2021. She is the Chief Operating Officer and new CEO Designate of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, leading efforts to enhance and promote community resilience, health, and equity. A champion of social justice, Toppel brings a strong commitment to equity, innovation, and closing the gender wage gap, recognizing its profound impact on the economic stability of women, families, and communities of color.

As the state’s principal advocacy body for older adults, the CCoA advises state leaders, legislators, and governmental agencies on policies and programs that impact the lives of older Californians and supports programs and services that promote equity, inclusion, autonomy, choice, access, respect, integrity, collaboration, and partnership.

For more information about the CCoA and its initiatives, please visit http://ccoa.ca.gov.

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Preceding provided by the California Commission on Aging