David Lindeman, executive director of the CITRIS Health research initiative, has been elected the new chair of the California Commission on Aging (CCoA). As ED of CITRIS Health, Lindeman helps to lead the institution’s efforts to explores technology innovations to improve health outcomes and access, and to shorten the pipeline between world-class health technology and its translation into everyday practice.
Read the full press release from the CCoA:
David Lindeman Elected Chair, Dana Toppel Elected Vice Chair, California Commission on Aging
October 30, 2024
SACRAMENTO — The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has elected David Lindeman, PhD, as its new Chair, with Dana Toppel, LCSW, MBA, stepping into the role of Vice Chair, effective following the October 21, 2024, General Meeting in San Bernardino. Chair Lindeman, who has served as Vice Chair for two years, will take over from outgoing Chair Cheryl Brown. Chair Lindeman and Vice Chair Toppel bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and commitment to advance CCoA’s mission to support California’s older adult population.
“As California’s older adult population grows rapidly, we are seeing important shifts in diversity and encountering new challenges for healthy aging,” said Chair Lindeman. “The California Commission on Aging is dedicated to working with state government and stakeholders to position California as a national leader in empowering older adults and addressing their challenges. I am excited to take on the role of Commission Chair and continue the excellent work of our immediate past Chair, Cheryl Brown.”
Chair Lindeman, a gerontologist with nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare, long-term care, and research, has served on the CCoA for four years. His expertise spans healthcare solutions, policy, and research in aging. Chair Lindeman serves as Executive Director of CITRIS Health, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), UC Berkeley, and Director of the Center for Technology and Aging. His work advances innovative and emerging models in California and nationally. As Chair, Lindeman will focus on policies that address disparity and promote empowerment and inclusivity for older adults across the state.
Dana Toppel, the newly elected Vice Chair, has been a dedicated member of the Commission since 2021. She is the Chief Operating Officer and new CEO Designate of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, leading efforts to enhance and promote community resilience, health, and equity. A champion of social justice, Vice Chair Toppel brings a strong commitment to equity, innovation, and closing the gender wage gap, recognizing its profound impact on the economic stability of women, families, and communities of color.
As the state’s principal advocacy body for older adults, the CCoA advises state leaders, legislators, and governmental agencies on policies and programs that impact the lives of older Californians and supports programs and services that promote equity, inclusion, autonomy, choice, access, respect, integrity, collaboration, and partnership.