PROVIDENCE, RI - Governor Gina M. Raimondo today announced her selection of Rose Amoros Jones as Director of the Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA), filling a vacancy created when former DEA Director Charlie Fogarty retired from state service in 2018.
"Rose has been a valued member of my team since day one," said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "She's led major efforts - from launching Let's Talk Mental Health to erase the stigma around mental illness and addiction to partnering with the community to improve supports for older Rhode Islanders. She's emerged as a trusted advocate for our seniors and has continued to advance sound policies that move our state forward. Rose will lead DEA with distinction and care."
Jones has more than 20 years of experience in policy development and public affairs and has served in key leadership roles within the Raimondo Administration. She currently leads the Division of Policy and Public Affairs at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), where she's helped shape the Governor's agenda for older adults and Rhode Islanders with disabilities.
"I'm honored Governor Raimondo has selected me to lead Elderly Affairs and advocate for older Rhode Islanders," Jones said. "Within the next decade, one in four Rhode Islanders will be 65 or older. Our elders - those who nurtured and provided for us - deserve an opportunity to age with dignity and to know their needs will be met. Under the Governor's leadership and with many partners, we continue to make important investments that benefit seniors, with an eye toward promoting choice and community. The work is not done. And I look forward to joining with my colleagues in government - and our business and community partners - to ensure Rhode Island is a great place to grow up and grow old."
"I'm thrilled that Rose Jones has been selected to lead Elderly Affairs," said Acting Secretary Lisa Vura-Weis. "Rose has built amazing relationships with members of the community, advocates and partners in and out of government that work with and for our elders. I look forward to continuing to partner with Rose in her new position as we further our shared goals and support older Rhode Islanders."
As Rhode Island's designated State Unit on Aging, DEA provides an array of services and supports that helps seniors and adults with disabilities thrive. Among the Division's offerings are home and community-care programs, adult protective services, the Aging & Disability Resource Center, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and other advocacy and social service supports.
Governor Raimondo has continued to champion investments that benefit seniors and adults with disabilities. Her State Fiscal Year 2020 budget proposal would elevate DEA to an independent office within EOHHS, provide funding for transportation programs that serve older adults, expand home- and community-care programs, and invest in the direct-support workforce. The Governor has supported investments in Rhode Island's healthcare workforce for the last four years and has increased funding to senior centers and meals programs that promote quality of life and independence for older Rhode Islanders.
Jones is a native Rhode Islander and lives with her husband and four children in North Providence.