The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) is pleased to announce that Laura Poskin will join the organization as its chief aging officer on August 10. In this leadership role, Poskin will advance JHF’s strategic vision focused on aging policy, workforce development for aging services, and systems change to improve the lives of older adults.
A gerontologist by training, Poskin brings more than 15 years of experience leading collaborative initiatives that advance health equity and inclusion for older adults and people of all ages. Her expertise in convening cross-sector partnerships, advancing public policy, and developing innovative community-based programs aligns closely with JHF’s commitment to healthy aging across the lifespan.
Poskin is well-known throughout Pennsylvania and nationally as a leader in the age-friendly movement. Most recently, she served as executive director of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, where she transformed the initiative from an emerging concept into an internationally recognized model that convenes a diverse coalition of more than 120 organizations working to improve quality of life across generations. During her tenure, she championed the launch of the Commonwealth’s multisector plan for aging, Aging Our Way, PA, as well as Age-Friendly Pennsylvania while helping shape local programs and policies that address social determinants of health and promote equity.
“The Foundation has had the privilege of working with Laura over the past decade as she’s expanded the impact of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, and I could not be more thrilled to bring her on board at JHF. Her deep commitment to the flourishing of older adults, her broad network and experience with community partnerships, and her creative vision will help to advance our decades of work supporting people to age with health and dignity,” said JHF President and CEO Danny Rosen, PhD.
Since its inception, JHF has been a statewide leader in advancing innovative policies and programs that improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults. Through initiatives including the nationally recognized Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative, the Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Learning Network, Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania, Aging Made Simple, and other workforce development and community-based programs, JHF has helped strengthen Pennsylvania's long-term care workforce, advance age-friendly care, support people living with dementia and their care partners, and foster healthier, more connected communities. Building on this legacy, Poskin will help shape the Foundation's next chapter of aging innovation, expanding its impact through strategic partnerships, policy leadership, and community engagement.
Prior to leading Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, Poskin held leadership positions with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, where she supported evidence-based programs for older adults, strengthened community organizations, and partnered with businesses to better support family caregivers. She also served on Governor Josh Shapiro’s transition team and the Allegheny County DHS Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. Her leadership has been recognized locally and nationally, including being named one of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40.
“More people are living longer than ever before. We have a real opportunity to reimagine how we age and how our communities are structured so that we can all thrive and have access to longevity,” said Poskin. “I am so excited to join the Foundation’s stellar team and dream together about what’s possible here in Southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.”
Earlier in her career, Poskin worked in editorial roles for national publications, including People and Good Housekeeping, before pursuing graduate studies in gerontology. She earned a Master of Population and Social Gerontology from Miami University and Mahidol University in Thailand, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Sewanee: The University of the South.