Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island announced today that its long-time President and Chief Executive Officer is retiring. Sandra (Sandy) Centazzo, a 28 year veteran of the non-profit agency, leaves after leading the Rhode Island organization to become one of the largest and most respected senior nutrition and elder care programs in the United States. Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, under Ms. Centazzo's leadership, has repeatedly been recognized by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) as one of the nation's best, granting the Rhode Island agency numerous accolades and awards.
"It's been a wonderful and fulfilling 28 years," stated Ms. Centazzo "And, I'm confident in the senior team's ability to take Meals on Wheels to the next stage." Sandy intends to take some extended time off in 2010, her first time doing so since joining the organization in 1981. She then expects to focus on volunteer work and continue to advocate for the rights of senior citizens on a national and local level.
Joseph Brown, the organization's founder and its first Executive Director and a current member of its Board of Directors stated: "Sandy, through almost 3 decades, had a 100% committment to Rhode Island's frail and elderly population. I sincerely appreciate her efforts on behalf of Meals on Wheels. She will be missed."
