The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) is set to undergo a major transition. By 2026, the agency will transition from being part of Columbus’ Department of Recreation and Parks to a stand-alone Regional Council of Governments—basically, a bigger, better setup designed to help more seniors and individuals with disabilities across Central Ohio.
Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus Recreation and Parks Director Bernita Reese made the announcement this week, emphasizing that this move will expand COAAA’s reach, improve services, and allow for some much-needed innovation to meet the growing needs of the community.
“Like so many of the opportunities we face, Central Ohio residents are oftentimes best served when we collaborate across municipal boundaries to maximize our reach and resources,” Mayor Ginther said. Translation: Teamwork makes the dream work, and this transition will allow COAAA to level up.
Since its start in 1974 with just 10 employees, COAAA has grown into a powerhouse.
With over 400 staff members serving more than 14,000 older adults annually in eight counties—Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union. With the new governance model, the agency can keep up with state and federal changes, increase services, and strengthen partnerships without disrupting the support it already provides.
COAAA Administrator Katie White, who will step into the role of Executive Director for the new organization, reassured the community that services, providers, and contracts will continue seamlessly during the transition. “We are deeply grateful to Mayor Ginther, Columbus City Council, and Director Reese for their ongoing commitment to older adults and people with disabilities in Columbus,” White said.
And in case you were wondering—COAAA has been busy.
In 2024 alone, the agency made more than 47,000 home visits, helped 500 recently discharged hospital patients transition safely back home, provided education and resources to over 10,000 residents, and connected 37,000 people with essential services like affordable housing, transportation, and caregiver support.
Fran Ryan, Founder of the Senior Services Roundtable of Columbus and Franklin County, summed it up: “COAAA’s services are a lifeline for seniors in our community, and this will only enhance their impact in Columbus, Franklin County, and the entire Central Ohio region.”
Over the next couple of years, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will guide the process of forming the new Regional Council of Governments. The goal is to have everything in place by early 2026, ensuring COAAA is ready to keep doing what it does best—supporting Central Ohio’s aging population with the services they need.
Featured image via COAA Aging Facebook.
