As the new volunteer state president of AARP Kansas, Tracee Adams plans to spread the word about all the organization has to offer.
“AARP has, gosh, so many benefits,” Adams, of Wichita, said. “I know a lot of people just see the discounts, which are a benefit, of course. But we would like to make people more aware of the various opportunities for engagement.”
Adams lists wine tastings, movies, an ice cream social and a food truck festival as some of the AARP activities she’s enjoyed.
“One of our top issues is isolation as you get older,” she said. “I really appreciate the work they do to bring people out of their homes.”
Driver safety classes and online safety sessions are other services offered by AARP. Adams noted that the organization also plays an important advocacy role the shaping public policy that affects older adults.
Adams is founder of Hawthorn Capital, an investment and wealth management firm. She originally volunteered to help AARP Kansas with retirement planning seminars as a way to grow her investment business. Then, she said, “They lassoed me into doing some other things, which I happily enjoyed.”
Adams is also active in the Urban League of Kansas, Junior League of Wichita, Junior Achievement of Wichita and Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce in addition to serving on the Wichita State University board of trustees. A graduate of the University of Maryland, she has two grown sons.
