Hoodland Senior Center Welcomes New Director Laura Peterson

By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times

The Hoodland Senior Center has a new executive director – Laura Peterson steps into the role this month. She succeeds Carianne Stearns, who has served in the position for the past two and a half years.

The executive director acts as a link between staff and the board, overseeing daily operations, fundraising, financial management, program development, and public outreach.

“It’s a really special place,” Peterson said. “There’s lots to learn, but in addition to being a great and patient teacher, she’s a real gem and is very intent on making it a smooth transition.”

Peterson, who may be a familiar face to many in the Hoodland community, brings a range of local experience to the position. She most recently worked for a restoration company in Sandy and previously spent years in the area’s restaurant industry, including as bar manager at the Rendezvous Grill and Tap Room and as a chef at the former Don Guido’s in Rhododendron.

As she steps into the role, Peterson said she is focused on learning the many responsibilities that come with it.

“This is the part where I’m learning,” she said. “But I’m also enjoying seeing familiar faces. We hosted a brunch fundraiser for our Meals on Wheels program last weekend. It was so much fun.”

Stearns said the position carries a wide range of responsibilities and relies on a strong team.

“The director position is responsible for managing the center, ensuring that the programs are running correctly, overseeing finances, interacting with people, and working with the board,” Stearns said. “It’s definitely a team effort.”

That team includes staff and volunteers who help keep the center running smoothly. Much of the financial recordkeeping is handled by assistant director Leita Bibler-Thomas, whom Stearns described as “our secret weapon.”

Bibler-Thomas said she takes a careful approach to the work, double-checking numbers across reports to ensure everything aligns.

“I love my job,” she said. “It gives me something to look forward to every day. And when I go home at night, it just feels good, even if there was a lot going on.”

Stearns said she is confident in the transition and plans to remain involved with the organization.

“I’m excited about who the board hired, and am hopeful that the center will continue to serve the public and make sure that people know we’re here,” she said. “I feel sad that I’m leaving, but I’m stepping into a volunteer role, so I’ll still be affiliated and will still be able to pour my heart into this organization.”

The Hoodland Senior Center provides a wide range of services to the mountain community, including Meals on Wheels deliveries, transportation to medical appointments, fitness classes, and assistance connecting with county resources. For many, the center serves as a first stop for help or information.

The organization is overseen by a seven-member board, with one current vacancy.

As Peterson settles into the role, the day-to-day work of the center continues - meals delivered, rides arranged, and doors open to anyone who walks in. It’s that steady, ongoing effort that has long defined the Hoodland Senior Center’s place in the community.