Senior center director resigns

Tammy Copelan, executive director of Senior Center of Boulder City, has resigned and will be moving to Idaho. Her last day is Sept. 3.

She said health issues are behind her move to a cooler climate.

“I have some health issues that precipitate me leaving,” she said about the decision she said she made reluctantly. “I have enjoyed my time here.”

“It’s a loss to the senior center — definitely a big loss because she has been an excellent director,” said Don Sansouci, president of the board of directors.

He said Copelan has been a big asset for the community and its residents.

“If I could keep Tammy, I would. Or if I could clone her …,” he said.

Until a replacement is hired, Copelan will serve as a consultant by telephone and email.

Sansouci said they don’t have a time frame for finding a replacement.

“We are not looking for the first person, we are looking for the best person,” he said.

A search committee has been formed and is creating a good job description, Sansouci said.

“We definitely want someone with experience with the senior community and someone with management skills,” he said.

Additionally, they are seeking a candidate with strong writing and speaking skills as well as the ability to write grants and raise funds.

Earlier this year, Copelan said the senior center had a $100,000 deficit created by rising food costs and more people having lunch at the facility.

The center serves an average of 180 meals a day, she said.

Copelan said she doesn’t expect any difficulties with the transition to a new executive director.

“The crew is great and in good shape,” Copelan said. “They know their jobs and care about the people.”

Copeland said she will maintain her ties with Boulder City. She and her husband, David, own a house here and he will continue to publish “The Old Times,” she added.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.