The Mission Control Podcast has always been a space where nonprofit leaders, executive directors, and community changemakers share their journeys. Hosted by Paul Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia, each episode uncovers the stories behind organizations that keep communities strong. In one recent conversation, Casey Cooper, Assistant Director at the Tri County Office on Aging (TCOA), shed light on her path into nonprofit work, the evolution of aging services, and why community-centered leadership matters more than ever.

From Greenville Roots to Lansing Leadership

Casey’s journey began in Greenville, Michigan, a small town outside Grand Rapids. After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at the University of Michigan, she set out to find her place in the nonprofit world. That first role—fundraising and volunteer specialist at TCOA—turned out to be more than just a job. Eight and a half years later, she has grown into the role of assistant director, supervising staff, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for older adults.

Her longevity at TCOA speaks volumes. What started as an entry-level position became a calling. As Casey herself explained, the mission “sucked her in”—showing her how vital aging services are for individuals and communities alike.

The Mission Behind TCOA

At its heart, the Tri County Office on Aging exists to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. This means helping people remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, on their own terms.

Programs like Meals on Wheels, congregate dining, in-home support, caregiver respite, and wellness workshops anchor the agency’s services. Each is designed not only to meet physical needs, but also to reduce isolation, provide education, and foster connection.

As Casey put it, “Everything that we do at TCOA is to help older adults and caregivers and adults with disabilities get connected to programs and services that could help them age in their own homes and communities or wherever they call home in a safe way.”

Growing a Career in Nonprofits

Casey’s decision to enter the nonprofit sector wasn’t accidental. During college, she interned with an organization that supported cancer patients and discovered a love for event planning, fundraising, and direct service. That experience revealed the power of nonprofits to transform lives—and inspired her to pursue the field full-time.

Her passion was also shaped by her own childhood. Growing up in a family that benefited from social services, she experienced firsthand how access to resources creates opportunities. That memory continues to drive her: “That changed my life… and I want that for other people.”

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Aging

A big part of Casey’s work involves breaking down myths about aging. She often encounters assumptions that seniors inevitably end up in nursing homes, that aging equals isolation, or that services are only for low-income individuals. TCOA challenges those misconceptions daily by showing that most older adults can and do remain independent with the right support.

“We’re all aging,” Casey often reminds people, stressing that services are open to anyone with questions or concerns about aging. Planning ahead and connecting early can make all the difference.

Building Community Through Fundraising and Engagement

When Casey first arrived at TCOA, her role revolved around fundraising. She quickly learned that success in development isn’t just about securing dollars—it’s about building trust. Community members needed to believe in the mission, not just in her as an individual.

Over time, she discovered that fundraising could also mean rallying volunteers, cultivating champions, and building partnerships. From volunteer drivers to advisory council members to passionate donors who created lasting fundraising traditions like annual golf outings, engagement at TCOA is about relationships first.

Adapting in Times of Change

Like many nonprofits, TCOA faced extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the crisis also sparked innovation. Carryout meals were introduced to meet demand and have since become a permanent offering. Older adults began embracing technology, using Zoom, FaceTime, and texting to stay connected with loved ones and services.

Casey recalls moments when seniors proudly shared selfies they learned to take with the help of volunteer tech coaches—proof that stereotypes about seniors and technology no longer hold true.

Leadership, Advocacy, and the Road Ahead

Now serving as Assistant Director, Casey supervises a team of seven while focusing on broader community engagement. Her work includes attending health fairs, strengthening advisory councils, and representing TCOA in advocacy efforts from Lansing to Washington, D.C.

Engaging lawmakers is increasingly essential, since much of TCOA’s budget relies on public funding. Casey views this part of her role as another form of relationship-building—ensuring that policymakers understand the real needs of older adults.

Her broader vision is to shift how society views aging itself. Rather than treating it as something to fear, she wants communities to embrace aging as a natural stage of life, worthy of respect, resources, and celebration.

Life Beyond Work

Nonprofit leadership can be demanding, but Casey is intentional about finding balance. She decompresses by gardening, keeping detailed notes on her plants, and spending time outdoors. Hot baths and planning new garden projects in winter provide additional outlets for stress relief. For her, balance is both a personal and professional necessity: leaders can only serve effectively when they themselves are restored.

Final Thoughts

Casey Cooper’s story reflects the very best of nonprofit leadership—rooted in service, sustained by relationships, and driven by a clear sense of mission. Her nearly decade-long journey with the Tri County Office on Aging illustrates how commitment, creativity, and compassion can shape stronger communities.

For anyone inspired to connect, TCOA remains a vital resource for older adults, caregivers, and families across mid-Michigan. Their website, tcoa.org, offers ways to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more.

The Mission Control Podcast conversation with Casey is a reminder that aging is universal, and that supporting seniors is, ultimately, supporting ourselves. As Casey wisely put it: “We’re all aging, right? We all hope to be an older adult.”

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