Michael Costa, Executive Director of C4A, is retiring as of December 31, 2024. Brought in by the Board mid-2021 as a change agent, Michael guided the Association through a period of rapid growth and development, during which C4A became an increasingly active participant in aging policy development and implementation in California. He will be greatly missed.
Over a three and a half period, C4A sponsored legislation amending the Older Californians Act (OCA), gained $186 million in multiyear state funding for nutrition and area agency on aging (AAA) programs, and successfully amended bills impacting the organization of aging services delivery in California. C4A increased its engagement with organizations and allies in the aging space, built an effective relationship with the California Department of Aging, and brought in significant grant and contract revenue to fund growth and development of services benefiting AAA staff and the people they serve.
Additional goals attained under Michael’s leadership include increased participation of member AAAs in the ongoing integration of social and healthcare service through MediCal’s CalAIM program, business analysis of the pros and cons of C4A and member AAAs serving as care hubs, ongoing technical assistance to AAAs committed to developing healthcare participation and data exchange capabilities, and development and implementation of a Training Academy providing technical courses and videos educating AAA staff and the community AAAs serve. Finally, during Michael’s tenure the C4A annual conference evolved to become an increasingly inclusive, “must attend” event in California’s aging network meeting cycle.
Michael expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead C4A, saying: “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to help build an organization with so much potential to be a major leader in aging policy and service delivery in California, and to work with so many dedicated and talented leaders within and outside the AAA network to accomplish that. I know that Christina Mills, the incoming Executive Director, will continue to strengthen C4A and its effectiveness in the coming years.”
Aneliza Del Pinal, C4A Board President, added her reflections on Michael’s leadership: “I would like to express my deep appreciation to Michael for his unwavering commitment and dedication to older Californians. Under his visionary leadership, C4A has experienced remarkable growth, transformation, and development. His achievements will undoubtedly leave a lasting and meaningful impact on the aging and disability network.“
Incoming Executive Director, Christina Mills, who will assume the role on January 1, 2025, shared: “Michael Costa’s leadership has elevated C4A’s role in California’s aging policy and advocacy landscape, creating a strong foundation for the organization’s future. His dedication to advancing key initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and building organizational capacity has made my transition into this role seamless. I deeply appreciate his collaborative spirit and the legacy of progress he leaves behind. We wish him all the best."