Russ grew up in Ridgefield New Jersey, a small suburb of New York City.  He graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia with a degree in Mathematics.  After college he set off to Akron Ohio to work for power generation manufacturer Babcock & Wilcox and began his career in Information Systems and Technology.  There he met his wife Marie where they were happily married in 1976 and fortunately remain that way today.  They moved to New Jersey in the early 80’s and he continued his career in Information Systems Management & Strategy at Johnson & Johnson until retirement in 2004.  Some of his primary responsibilities were the development and implementation of global strategies in Executive Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, and Quality and Compliance. They moved to their new hometown The Villages in 2004.  Along with fun and friendships, Russ firmly believes retirement is an opportune time to give back service to the community and he began by becoming a VHA Neighborhood Representative.  From 2007 through 2010 he was Chairperson of VHA Regions 6 & 7, developing and leading an excellent team of representatives delivering the VHA Mission to their neighborhoods.  He then was elected and served on the Villages CDD #6 Board of Supervisors from 2010 through 2014. In 2012, Russ was elected to the Board of the Directors for the Central Florida Health Alliance including The Villages Regional Hospital and Leesburg Regional Medical Center.  In this role, he is part of a leadership team dedicated to providing high quality, patient-centered care in a compassionate environment to The Villages, Leesburg and surrounding communities in Central Florida.  He now chairs the Quality/Safety/Service committee for the Hospital System and is also a member of the Strategic Planning Committees. Russ and Marie have two grown children Tony in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife Sharon and daughter Andrea in Hoboken New Jersey.  They are now enjoying the grand parenting experience with granddaughters Abby and Cassie.  Life is a blessing – Be thankful for every day and live it to its fullest.

Beth was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in a small town south of St. Louis.  She graduated from William Woods University with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and later graduated from Webster University with a master’s degree in Management.  Being a military wife, Beth has had many wonderful work experiences over the years in retail, health care, law and education.

Beth and her husband Dave moved to The Villages in April 2018 from Southern Illinois where her husband retired after 22 years in the USAF.  They always knew they would retire to Florida, but not sure where.  After being here for a little over 3 years, they cannot imagine living anywhere else.  Beth’s desire upon moving to The Villages was to become involved in clubs and organizations that were both fun and meaningful to her.  She and her husband are also very active volunteers with American Legion Post 347, Lady Lake.

In Beth’s spare time, she enjoys dancing, playing pickleball, treasure hunting for bargains and exploring new places in Florida.
Beth and Dave have a blended family of five children and six grandchildren whom are sprinkled all across the United States.

“Team Work:  Coming together is the beginning, Keeping together is progress and Working together is success” this is what being a part of the VHA is about for me.

Jan Palmer moved to The Villages in 2017 from the Detroit, Michigan area suburb of Macomb. She hails from Western New York, but has lived in Massachusetts and Michigan as GM moved her husband around. She and Mark have five children, five grandchildren, three dogs, and she considers being a lifelong volunteer and stay-at-home mom as her primary career choice.  On the side she has worked at Kodak, Clarkson University, and Oswego Hospital as a secretary, was a feature writer for The Pepperell Times Free Press in Massachusetts, Young Mother of the Year for Massachusetts, a tour escort for Alcott Tours accompanying seniors and students on bus tours, was the office and editorial assistant for Travelhost Magazine of Buffalo/Niagara Falls region, and enjoyed many years as an activities director in Buffalo and Michigan for assisted living residents. She has written for and edited several newsletters, has been the drama director/writer and women’s ministries coordinator at her churches in two states, and a choir member/soloist and Bible study teacher/facilitator for 40 years plus.  Since arriving in The Villages she has found many opportunities to do what she enjoys;  serving with The VHA and exploring the nuts and bolts of The Villages, being involved with Special Friends activities, bowling, exercising regularly at Bone Builders, participating in Senior Olympics, joining the Writers 4 Kids group and the Writer’s League of the Villages, decorating, gardening, playing cards, entertaining guests, and getting to meet new friends and neighbors.  Her goal as assistant editor for The Voice is to produce an interesting and informative product for VHA members and promote the positive work they do on behalf of all Villages residents.