Sacramento, Calif. — July 1, 2026 — LeadingAge California announced today that Susan DeMarois has been selected as the organization’s next President & Chief Executive Officer, effective October 2026.
DeMarois will succeed Jeannee Parker Martin, who has led LeadingAge California through a decade of significant growth, innovation, advocacy, and expanded impact on behalf of nonprofit providers of housing, care, and services for older adults. The transition follows a thoughtful and comprehensive CEO search process led by the Board of Directors.
“Susan is an extraordinary leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to older adults, equity, collaboration, and systems change,” said Stuart Hartman, Chair of the LeadingAge California Board of Directors. “Her experience at the state level, her understanding of California’s aging and long-term services and supports landscape, and her ability to bring people together across sectors make her uniquely prepared to lead LeadingAge California into its next chapter.”
DeMarois currently serves as Director of the California Department of Aging, where she leads the state’s efforts to advance services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, family caregivers, and local aging networks. In that role, she has helped guide California’s implementation of the Master Plan for Aging, the state’s long-term blueprint for building an age- and disability-forward California. Prior to her role at CDA, DeMarois served as Western Regional Director, Government Affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association, Assistant Director of Government & Community Relations at UC Davis Health System, and Associate Director, Public Policy at LeadingAge California.
As President & CEO of LeadingAge California, DeMarois will lead the organization’s advocacy, member engagement, education, workforce development, innovation, and strategic initiatives at a pivotal time for the field. California’s growing older adult population, housing affordability challenges, workforce shortages, and evolving care needs are reshaping the future of aging services across the state.
“I am honored to re-join LeadingAge California and to build on the organization’s strong legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service,” said Susan DeMarois. “LeadingAge California’s members are essential partners in shaping a future where older adults can live with dignity, purpose, connection, and choice. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, members, policymakers, and partners to advance bold solutions for housing, care, and services for older adults.”
Under Parker Martin’s decade-long leadership, LeadingAge California has expanded its advocacy voice, strengthened member services, advanced workforce and social impact initiatives, and deepened partnerships across California and nationally. The organization has elevated its role in shaping policy and innovation for nonprofit aging services providers.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve LeadingAge California and our members,” said Jeannee Parker Martin. “Susan brings the vision, experience, and heart needed for this moment. I am thrilled for the organization, our members, and the older adults they serve.”
DeMarois will assume the role in October 2026. LeadingAge California will work closely with its Board, staff, members, and partners to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
