KATHERINE ASKEW
Katherine Askew is the Founder and Executive Editor of ElderAuthority.com. As an eldercare educator, she has taught programs on aging proactively at Southern Methodist University and Richland College in Dallas, as well as project management at Columbia University in New York City.
Katherine writes original content each week for ElderAuthority.com. A former caregiver herself, she also coaches others on how to manage aging and caregiving. Dedicated to finding new ways to meet the challenges and caregiving demands of 78 million aging Baby Boomers, Katherine is also an Alzheimer’s Advocate and has met with Senate and Congressional Representatives and senior staff in Washington, D.C. in support of Alzheimer’s legislation and Medicare reform.
Her education includes an M.S. from American University’s School of Public Affairs, a Bachelor’s Degree from Oberlin College, and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of North Texas, Denton/Allegra LLC. Formerly a classical musician, she also earned a Masters of Music degree from the Julliard School.
Katherine has worked for a number of organizations including Washington D.C. Hospital Center, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, American Express, CB Richard Ellis, and Eastman Software in roles ranging from Research Analyst to Senior Housing Specialist to Chief Operating Officer. At Columbia University her groundbreaking, 15-week course in Project Management earned her an Outstanding Teacher Award. Since 2009, she has written a weekly column for TheNewElder.com based on her experiences as a primary caregiver.
Having directed projects using new technologies and experimental methods throughout her career, managing a state-of-the-art authority website dedicated to aging in the 21st century is a logical progression.
…in her own words
“Caregiving is a stage of adulthood we all should experience. We become better people because of it and learn how to face our own mortality while helping someone else. It is an essential step of adulthood. If they live long enough, adults do learn about aging and caregiving; but, like me, most learn it the hard way–by trial and error. I hope ElderAuthority.com will provide the access to knowledge and community that will help all of us live a better and more complete life at any age.”
DAVID DOWNEY
David Downey regularly appears on television, radio and in public speaking forums in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. Now as a resident of Michigan, David serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Great Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Prior to his relocation he had served on the board of the Greater Dallas chapter and chaired their public policy initiative. He has served as an Alzheimer’s Ambassador to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) and now for Senator Carl Levin (MI). A longtime Advocate for Alzheimer’s, David has regularly met with the Michigan and Texas Congressional delegations to help advance public policy in support of finding a solution for the disease. Professionally he is the Founder & CEO of 3rd Best, LLC, a business development consultancy for owner-managed businesses.
David was his mother’s primary caregiver for many years as she faced age-related issues ranging from retirement planning, relocation, multiple hospitalizations, changing living situations and chronic illnesses including dementia. He also helped care for his mother-in-law who suffered from Parkinson’s and Lewy Body dementia.
David has previously served on the boards of several children’s charities, and as a trustee of a private school in addition to other community nonprofits. His writings regularly appear in Texas CEO Magazine, The Dallas Business Journal and other publications in addition to Elder Authority.com.
With more than 30 years of experience and increasing responsibilities in senior corporate leadership positions, David has served as the CEO, President or Chief Operating Officer of five companies, personally conducting business in more than 60 foreign countries. He has served as an executive in large publicly traded companies, privately held firms as well as businesses of his own.
