Naples Senior Center Welcomes McNulty as Chief Program Officer

Naples Senior Center, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for older adults, announced the appointment of Dr. Denise McNulty, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, APRN, as its new Chief Program Officer.

In this role, McNulty will oversee all program operations of Naples Senior Center, including Dementia Respite, Geriatric Case Management, Holocaust Survivors Program, Mental Health Outpatient Counseling, Senior Center, Food Pantry and the Volunteer Program. A resident of Naples for the past 20 years, McNulty brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, serving in various administrative, clinical and teaching roles.

“We are delighted to welcome Denise to our leadership team,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of the Naples Senior Center. “Her experience and expertise in issues of older adults, behavioral health and strength in management make her a natural for this important position, plus she has tremendous connections across the Naples community.”

McNulty most recently served as Director of Behavioral Health for the NCH Healthcare System and Mental Health/Addictions Education Specialist for the Lee Health System. Before that, she served as Chief Nursing Officer for Park Royal Hospital and South Florida State Hospital and as Department Chair for Nursing at Ave Maria University.

Originally from Philadelphia, McNulty was recently appointed as Chair for the Leadership Coalition on Aging’s Senior Mental Wellness Steering Committee. She is the recipient of the 2013 Naples Daily News Heroes in Healthcare – Nursing Excellence Award and the 2016 WGCU MAKERS, Women Who Make Southwest Florida Award.

Naples Senior Center 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 January 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 Emotional Support Services as well as a “choice” 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.

To accommodate future growth, Naples Senior Center is constructing a new 30,000-square-foot building on Autumn Oaks Lane, just a block south of Immokalee Road. This site will enable seniors to benefit from a nurturing, natural setting that offers outdoor space for walking, quiet contemplation and low-impact exercise programs such as tai chi. The project is being funded through a capital campaign that was launched in 2019 and was accelerated by a $5-million commitment from philanthropists Patty and Jay Baker.

For additional information on the Naples Senior Center and its comprehensive programs and social services for area seniors and their families, visit www.NaplesSeniorCenter.org.