Community Spotlight: Meet Jill Shaffer of Alzheimer's Association

Jill Shaffer

Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association

Can you please share more about yourself and the mission of the Alzheimer's Association?

I’m honored to journey on this critical path with the Alzheimer's Association. After my Mom passed
away from the disease nearly five years ago, I felt helpless. My daughter and I wanted to do something to
honor her legacy, and we found the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ventura. The atmosphere of love, support
and hope coupled with tributes to loved ones everywhere the eye could see was truly cathartic. I was
inspired to continue this fight by making the best use of my long time nonprofit leadership experience and
accepted a leadership role within the organization. My responsibilities include overall strategic and
operational functions for the chapter, including program delivery, fundraising, community engagement,
government and private grant funding, media relations and growth and delivery of the Association’s
mission.

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating
global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our
vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Who has made a strong impact on your life and has helped you to get you where you are
today?

I’ve been fortunate to have many impactful role models throughout my career, but it truly began with my
father. As an immigrant from Denmark who came over on the boat by himself when he was only 18 years
old. He settled in California, married my Mom and raised 5 kids by working 3 jobs to make sure we
would thrive. His positive attitude and immeasurable work ethic has molded my focus, drive and belief
that you can achieve anything as long as you work hard enough and focus on the things you CAN
do…instead of those you can’t.

What are some recent highlights at the Alzheimer's Association? And what events, milestones
and steps are in the near future?

Locally, we have raised close to $1 million through our five Walk to EndAlzheimer’s events, launched a
brand new program called Do What You Love to End Alzheimer’s which has already raised over $80,000
(and we’re just getting started!) and we have served over 4500 unduplicated constituents through support
groups, education, and awareness programs throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura
counties. We also will be hosting our second annual Hearts & Hope Honors on Thursday, May 21st in
Santa Barbara. Please learn more about all of our local programs and events at alz.org/cacentralcoast
What about the Alzheimer's Association is special to you, what would you like our readers to know?
We are entering a whole new era of treatment with many innovative research projects and clinical trials
taking place all around the world. The Alzheimer’s Association invests in research across a wide
spectrum of topics including basic science, translational work, diagnostic tools, biomarker studies,
prevention research and clinical trials. This is special to me because now…we have HOPE! There is a
critical reason to get tested and to learn as much as you can about the disease as early as possible.

Why did you think it was important to become a member of the CNL? What do you value
most about your connection with CNL?

When I came to the Alzheimer’s Association one of the first things I did was to join the Center for
Nonprofit Leadership as an organization. We enrolled in the Board Leadership Institute to create a
positive framework for the hard work that we knew was to come and now, we are able to continue to
revisit lessons learned and feed our brains regularly. The resources alone are more than worth the cost of
membership.

Dena Jenson and her team are the one constant connection nonprofits have in this community. She has led
the charge to continue resilience throughout the region, no matter the challenges that come along. We are
all so fortunate to have CNL lifting us up where we need it the most!

How can the community support you? Where can they find you on social media?

Our most critical need is in recruiting community volunteers. The Alzheimer’s Association is an
incredible team of dedicated staff and volunteers all working together to have an impact on the trajectory
of this critical disease. You are welcome to join us, whether you are just starting out as an intern, or
retired and looking to bring some focused purpose back into your life.

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