Baker Senior Center Naples Names Pfahl as Chief Strategic Engagement Officer

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to support local seniors, announced the appointment of Ursula M. Pfahl, Ph.D., as its Chief Strategic Engagement Officer.

In this newly created position, Pfahl will work closely with the President and CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples to establish networks and build rapport with stakeholders to facilitate communication of the organization’s mission and objectives, including serving as a point of contact for potential contributors, community leaders and other supporters.

“We are delighted to add Ursula to our senior leadership team,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “Her extensive relationships and vast knowledge of the Southwest Florida landscape will be very helpful as we continue to expand this organization into the leading advocate for older adults in our community.”

Pfahl brings more than 25 years of local professional and community service to Baker Senior Center Naples having previously held senior positions in higher education and leading area businesses. Most recently, she was Chief Marketing and Chief Operating Officer for Bigham Jewelers. Before that, she held the same titles for Yamron Jewelers.

Pfahl also has an extensive background in local philanthropic activities, including being named as a Woman of Initiative by the Women’s Foundation of Collier County (2002) and being recognized by the Naples Daily News among the 2015 Class of “25 over 50.”

A native of Germany, Pfahl began her career in higher education as a college professor and university administrator. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas City-Missouri. She received her undergraduate degree in English/French/German from Heidelberg University.

Baker Senior Center Naples is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include Structured Dementia Respite Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Geriatric Mental Health Counseling as well as a Food Pantry.

An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 200 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in technology and computer science; physical well-being; and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs.

Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community.

For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit www.NaplesSeniorCenter.org.