Mat-Su Council on Aging
Meet Our Board and Executive Director
Chuck Foster
MCOA Board President
Chuck Foster is a retired Air Force Senior Officer and former CEO at Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. The collaborative spirit of the Mat-Su keeps him energized, and he is always on the search for people and ideas that can help improve the system of Senior Care in the Valley.
Lorraine Cordova
MCOA Board Treasurer
My journey into old age leaves me wondering -- what's next? I want to be part of the decision making process that allows older Alaskans like myself to live comfortable, meaningful lives. I'd like to conclude my sunset years with dignity and grace and make sure that all elders have that same opportunity.
Sheila Shinn
MCOA Board Secretary
Sheila Shinn is the former Director of Geriatrics & Gerontology Initiatives at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. After many years teaching and training the future workforce in Alaska in a variety of topics in geriatrics, she decided to leave UAA and put her training into practice as a Private Professional Guardian, specializing in older adults experiencing dementia. Sheila holds master’s degrees in Gerontology and Public Health, along with national certifications in working with people experiencing ADRD’s. She is also a National Certified Guardian. Sheila is a proud Mat Su borough resident of 10 years, and longtime Alaskan who intends to grow old here with her kids and grandkids. She is thrilled to serve her local community and fellow neighbors through the Mat Su Council on Aging and looks forward to contributing to the growth of options for older adults living in the Valley.
Barb Doty
MCOA Board Member
Dr. Barb Doty has a 35-year history serving the Mat Su community as a family physician serving all ages, with a focus on women's health. She now works as the Clinical Dean for the Alaska WWAMI medical education program of the University of Washington School of Medicine. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mat-Su Health Foundation and as their representative on the Mat Su Regional Medical Center Board of Directors. From 2014-2018 Dr. Doty represented District 6 of the Mat Su Borough Assembly, with a particular interest in health and wellness. Dr. Doty and her late husband, John Eshleman raised their 4 children in the Mat Valley and established their home at Wolf Lake, where John operated Steppers Construction Inc. Together, they developed the Wolf Lake Airport airpark community. Dr. Doty has particular expertise in organizational development and senior health and wellness and is excited to serve on the Mat Su Council on Aging.
Kevin Vandegriff
MCOA Board Member
Kevin Vandegriff is a retired Air Force Officer and retired Anchorage Police Officer. The elders in the Matanuska Susitna Valley paved the way for today’s residents. I want to insure we give them the opportunity to enjoy their senior years as valued residents of the Valley.
Jim McCall
MCOA Board Vice President
LaMarr Anderson
MCOA Board Member
Kevin Munson
MCOA Board Member
Richard Porter
MCOA Board Member
Richard Porter currently serves as the CEO of the Knik Tribe in Wasilla. He has spent the last 20 years in the area of environmental health and social work field. Richard worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a senior Tribal Coordinator, and Department of Defense (DOD) under Yakutat Tlingit Tribe as a program manager mitigating environmental impacts on lands due to the DOD impacts. Richard also serves on the Alaska Forum on the Environment, Mat-Su Council on Aging, Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors, Yak-tat Kwaan and The South Central Foundation’s Valley Native Primary Care Center Joint Operating Board of Directors. Richard graduated from Yakutat High School 1992, earned several certs in the area of Environmental Health, Attended the University of Arizona for Environmental Sciences and Alaska Pacific University-Alaska Native Executive Leadership MBA Program.
Brenda Shelden
Executive Director