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Date: 9/20/2023
WESTFIELD – The City Council recently approved Michael Squindo as the new executive director of the Westfield Council on Aging.
Squindo’s first day was set for Oct. 10 as final details of a three-year contract were being negotiated. He will begin the transition from his current role as Agawam Senior Center executive director in the coming weeks.
Mayor Michael McCabe stated, “Mike is coming to us from Agawam Council on Aging; he understands municipal government and finance.”
The City Council approved Squindo’s hiring during its Sept. 7 meeting, drawing the strong support of the current executive director, Tina Gorman.
On his pending transition, Squindo stated, “I have described my transition not so much as ‘moving on’ from Agawam but instead as ‘moving into’ Westfield.”
He said he will draw on his experience to guide decision-making in Westfield. In addition to leading Agawam’s Senior Center since 2017, Squindo is also a member of the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen.
When asked about possible technical changes at the Westfield Senior Center, Squindo conveyed a cautious approach.
“It is hard for me to suggest any technical changes that I would assume at this point,” he said. “My first goal would be to learn and understand the processes that have been put in place in Westfield.”
He remained committed to understanding broader issues affecting seniors, stating, “It is an expectation that we at the Senior Center understand and examine all issues, including health, food insecurity, housing issues and socialization,” he said.
Squindo said he’s been reviewing Council on Aging documents on potential new services. He expressed interest in ongoing discussions about enhanced senior transportation in Westfield.
“Part of my history in COAs has been coordinating and most recently establishing such a program,” he said.
He said the role of senior centers has been evolving in recent years.
“I believe that we have seen a trend for senior centers being used for what I call the ‘home away from home’ to more of a ‘resource hub,’” he said.
Squindo said the Baby Boom generation has become the primary users of senior centers nationally, with a shift from all-day activities to drop-in services. Members may stop by to meet with an outreach coordinator, attend a program, lunch or catch up with friends.
“Even 10 years ago, it might have been more common to see a group of folks coming regularly for several hours daily. Now I see a growing trend to come for a specific purpose,” he noted.
He also said senior centers are now serving multiple generations.
“Currently, it is not uncommon to have three or even four generations, in some cases, using the facility at the same time,” he said.
Squindo reflected on Gorman’s tenure with the Council on Aging, which began in 2006 and took its current form when she became executive director in 2011.
“I have admired and respected Tina’s approach,” he said. “She has developed a Senior Center that can do it all. It is inspirational.”
He added, “Tina has made a big mark on the senior community both in Westfield and beyond. I am honored to have been chosen to continue the work.”
Gorman has said that after she steps down from the director position, she wants to continue working at the Senior Center in a different role.
Squindo’s salary and contract details had not been finalized as The Pennysaver went to press. The advertised salary range for the executive director was $77,988 to $102,967.