LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Joseph E. Richard has been was elected president of the Konocti Senior Support Inc. Board in June after Pat Goodson completed her term as president.

With direction from Goodson, the duties, procedures and by-laws have been reviewed and a new, straight-forward vision has been initiated: “To provide companionship, counseling, and advice to seniors in their homes and at senior centers.”

After a productive board retreat and with a stronger team in place, Richard will be overseeing committees to expand the programs and monitor volunteer issues as he works with the board, the program directors, volunteers and the community.

He has 45 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit governance will be a great asset to Lake County seniors.

Richard has a master's degree in labor and industrial relations, and has studied tax law and finance. He has authored and published governance-related books, is a certified expert testifying witness and was a senior faculty member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

He also was a consultant and human resources executive. Presently, he volunteers for his home owners’ association as a board member and on their fire safety committee. He also serves the county itself, with mediation and as a member of the grand jury.

Barbara Nuckols, LMFT and senior peer counseling director, is making great progress with the Konocti Senior Support Board’s vision to open up the program to visit all seniors centers as well as seniors in their homes.

She presents one-hour, free educational workshops eight times a month, Tuesday and Thursday each week at 11 a.m. Call your senior or wellness center, or the Konocti Senior Support office at 707-995-1417 to find out the one nearest you.

Norma Shepherd, the Friendly Visitor Program director, was nominated for her outstanding service to community elders by the county at their awards ceremony, Stars of Lake County.

She has expanded the program to more than a dozen companions who make life to life contact with home bound seniors and more recently at senior centers.

Shepherd invites seniors to visit seniors in their homes or at senior centers. Call her at 707-995-1417 to see if you can help her with this meaningful program.

If you have questions, want to attend workshops on senior issues, know someone 55 or older who might benefit from peer counseling or companionship, or if you would like to help seniors, call 707-995-1417 or visit www.konoctiseniorsupport.com .