Washington, DC–The American Society on Aging (ASA) is pleased to announce that Rajiv Ahuja (Raj) will serve as Executive Director of ASA’s newly established On Aging Institute, starting Sept. 3, 2024. Ahuja joins ASA following a successful tenure at the Milken Institute, where he served as a director of its Future of Aging team and helped lead the Institute’s Alliance to Improve Dementia Care, which focused on improving the lives of older adults impacted by dementia and their families through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Ahuja brings a wealth of experience and strong background to his new role. He holds a master’s in healthcare policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School of Public Policy, as well as a JD from American University in Washington, DC. His extensive work in aging policy, combined with his dedication to improving the lives of older adults, positions him uniquely to lead the On Aging Institute.

“Raj has been an active member of ASA for several years, and a leader in promoting an age-inclusive society. I’m thrilled he is bringing his vision and belief in the power of collaboration to our staff and to the new On Aging Institute,” said ASA CEO & President Leanne Clark-Shirley about the new hire.

In his role as Executive Director, Ahuja will lead the development of the On Aging Institute’s offerings, anticipated in 2024 and beyond. These initiatives will include podcasts, webcasts, toolkits, live workshops and a whole lot more. The On Aging Institute’s work is critical as the older adult population in the United States is projected to reach 95 million by 2060, making it crucial to aid the network of organizations and professionals dedicated to supporting healthy, interconnected, and purposeful aging. ASA is thankful for the support of Next50, which partnered with ASA to shape the Institute’s offerings.

As the Institute matures, ASA will be well-served by Ahuja, a talented convener with extensive global ties, as he brings together leaders from diverse fields to co-design new offerings and thought leadership that supports our aim to gain equitable aging for all. 

“We are at a pivotal moment in addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with an aging society,” said Ahuja. “The On Aging Institute will be a driving force in bringing together diverse voices and expertise to create a more inclusive future for all older adults.”

“Joining ASA’s On Aging Institute is an incredible opportunity to expand the conversation around aging. Together, we can elevate the support systems for older adults and ensure that our society values and upholds the contributions of all its members,” he added.

About the American Society on Aging 

The American Society on Aging unites, empowers, and champions everyone working in aging. Since 1954, ASA has developed and led the largest, most diverse community of professionals working in aging in America. As a result, ASA has become the go-to source to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of our members and others who work with and on behalf of older adults.