Karen Adcock and Jackie Monroy Honored at MASC Conference
Posted on: November 20, 2024
The City of Auburn Hills is proud to announce two of its senior services leaders were recently honored at the Michigan Association of Senior Centers (MASC) Annual Conference on November 14, 2024. Jackie Monroy, Senior Services Program Coordinator, was recognized as the first-ever recipient of the New Professional of the Year Award, while Karen Adcock, Director of Recreation and Senior Services, was recognized with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. Both women have made significant contributions to the City's senior programs, and their passion, leadership, and commitment have positively impacted the quality of life for Auburn Hills residents.
Since joining the City of Auburn Hills in November 2022, Jackie Monroy has quickly become an invaluable asset to the Department of Recreation and Senior Services. Jackie’s compassion, energy, and vision have been instrumental in driving the growth of senior programs, making them more accessible, engaging, and beneficial to the senior community. Her creativity and resourcefulness have played a key role in expanding and enhancing the City’s senior programs, and the City of Auburn Hills is thrilled to see her recognized for the outstanding work she’s done in such a short time.
Karen Adcock, who has been with the City of Auburn Hills since 2000, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MASC conference. Karen’s career in gerontology spans over 40 years, and her expertise in working with seniors, particularly in nursing homes, home care, adult day care, and senior centers, has carried over to her work as the City of Auburn Hills Director of Senior Services. Under Karen's leadership, the City of Auburn Hills became the first in Michigan, and 14th in the nation, to enter the AARP Age-Friendly Program, a designation that acknowledges the city’s commitment to meeting the needs of its aging population.
In 2023, Karen was promoted to Director of Recreation and Senior Services, where she continues to demonstrate excellent leadership. She also serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Community Coordinated Response Coalition for elder abuse awareness and prevention, the Rochester University School of Nursing Community Advisory Board, and the Michigan Association of Senior Centers, where she has held multiple leadership roles. Karen’s long-standing commitment to improving the lives of seniors and advocating for policies that support aging adults has left a long-lasting imprint on Auburn Hills and the surrounding communities.
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Karen’s extraordinary contributions were further recognized by MASC with the creation of the Karen Adcock Director of the Year Award. This new award will honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to senior services, much like Karen has throughout her career.
The City of Auburn Hills is incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and skilled leaders in senior services. Thank you, Karen and Jackie, for your commitment to improving the lives of seniors and making Auburn Hills a special place to live.
Lisa Passalacqua, Community Engagement Manager, and Pauline Beckett, Assistant Director of the Department of Recreation and Senior Services