Leadership transition planned at Astoria Senior Center

Larry Miller, who has served as the executive director of the Astoria Senior Center for over a decade, will be stepping down from his role.

Miller will continue to act as the senior center’s board president and is searching for his replacement. His decision to step down came after he was elected board president in January.

Larry Miller

Larry Miller has served as the executive director of the Astoria Senior Center for more than a decade.

“Knowing my contract was up in May, it was time for me to move. But … no way after 12 years am I going to be able to walk out of this building. I just can't do it. No way I can do that. I have a real ownership in this,” he said.

Prior to working at the senior center, Miller was a business agent for the Oregon School Employees Association for over 20 years. While he had little experience working with senior citizens, he said he quickly gained a sense of respect.

“They're my life now, and so, I have a respect for all seniors for sure, and I think a lot of seniors have respect for me. We've had a great opportunity together to know each other,” he said.

The senior center, located on the corner of 11th and Exchange streets, allows people 60 years old and over to sign up for a membership at an annual $20 fee.

The senior center serves as a social space for older adults and holds activities and events, such as the weekly Saturday movie watch party. Some of the activities include mahjong, bingo, pinochle, yoga, tai chi and more. The center also provides free services for members, such as haircuts.

“We have line dancing — three different classes of line dancing — we have bingo every week … But seniors just love to socialize and that of course is one of the biggest things — along with the programs that we offer,” Miller said.

In Miller’s announcement that he is stepping down, he called for those who are interested in becoming the next executive director to reach out. “I invite you to express your interest in this opportunity,” he said. “Furthermore, I kindly ask for your assistance in spreading the word. If you know of someone, within or outside our membership, who possesses the qualities to excel as our new executive director, please do not hesitate to share this announcement with them.”

According to Miller, some of the traits he would like to see in the senior center’s new executive director would be someone with a good administrative background who enjoys working with the older community and with people who have physical disabilities.