William P. McDonald, who has spent 50 years in public and not for profit service to the Rochester community and specializes in transportation for older adults, has joined AARP New York’s Executive Council, a select group of AARP members from Long Island to Buffalo with exemplary leadership, record of service, and commitment to the organization’s goals.
In his role on the volunteer board, McDonald will help shape AARP New York’s strategic priorities, build community partnerships with key decision makers and serve as a volunteer spokesperson for AARP in New York.
McDonald, a Detroit native, served for 33 years as executive director of Medical Motor Service of Rochester, the county’s largest not for profit specialized transportation agency serving the transit disabled of all ages, particularly children and older adults. He has also worked for the United Way of Greater Rochester, the Monroe County Office for the Aging and presently serves as a commissioner of the Rochester Regional Transportation Authority.
He is currently an independent consultant working with not-for-profit agencies in the areas of strategic planning and community transportation services.
“We’re thrilled to have Bill McDonald bring his great experience and knowledge to AARP New York’s Executive Council,” said AARP New York State President James O’Neal, who chairs the Council. “Bill’s expertise in critical policy areas will help guide AARP New York as we work to develop solutions for our state’s rapidly aging population.”
“I am honored to have this opportunity to work with AARP to further advance their goal to make our community and state a great place for older adults to live and thrive.” said McDonald.
“The Rochester area is an important population center in New York, and we are extremely grateful to have Bill McDonald bring his understanding of the region’s needs – and of the needs of all older New Yorkers – to AARP,” added AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel.
McDonald has also worked with Lifespan of Greater Rochester, the Ontario County Office for the Aging and the Western NY Transportation Collaborative (Erie and Niagara counties). He led the Monroe County Aging Alliance in its development of “Creating a Community for a Lifetime: An Action Plan for an Age-friendly/Livable Rochester and Monroe County” (2022).
His United Way work focused on advancing transportation and mobility solutions to improve health care and economic security for older adults. He has also served as a VISTA volunteer stationed at Action for a Better Community to address hunger issues including advocating for school breakfast programs in the Rochester City School District and expanded participation in the Food Stamp/SNAP program.
McDonald holds a Master of Public Administration from the State University of New York, a Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) in Sociology from the University of Detroit, and a Gerontology Certification from St. John Fisher College/Lifespan.
He lives in Rochester with his spouse, Kathleen McDonald, and has two adult children and three grandchildren in the Rochester area and in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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