WPCOG Announces the Retirement of Tina Miller, Celebrating 28 Years of Service to Older Adults and Caregivers Across the Region

Long View, NC – The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is proud to share that Tina Miller, Director of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), will retire May 1,2026. Her retirement marks the end of a 28‑year career spent helping older adults, supporting caregivers, and building strong programs across our region.

Tina grew up in Wilkes County and began her college studies at Appalachian State University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from NC State University. After living in Raleigh for six years, she and her family moved to Hickory, where she soon began the work that would shape her career.

Tina joined the Council of Governments on February 2, 1998, working with the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program. One year later, she moved into the Area Agency on Aging as an Aging Specialist. Her first big project was creating the Resource Directory for Older Adults, which is still one of the most trusted guides for older adults, caregivers, and aging professionals in our region.

As an Aging Specialist, Tina took on many important roles. She served as Lead Monitor, became a Certified Reverse Mortgage Counselor—completing more than 800 counseling sessions—and coordinated the Silver Arts portion of the Unifour Senior Games with the City of Hickory. She also led several health programs and became a Matter of Balance Master Trainer. In 2010, she earned a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Appalachian State University to deepen her expertise.

In March 2015, Tina became the AAA Director. Under her leadership, the agency grew its services, brought in new funding, and strengthened its support for older adults and caregivers. She secured a major three‑year HUD grant for the Older Adult Home Modification Program, which helps older adults stay safe and independent in their homes.

Tina’s leadership reaches far beyond our region. She has served on many boards and committees, including:

• PACE@Home Board of Directors

• ACAP Community Board of Directors

• Blue Ridge Veteran’s Community Partnership Board

• Adult Life Programs Board of Directors

• Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) Board of Directors (Treasurer)

• North Carolina Association of Area Agencies on Aging (Treasurer)

• NC Community Care Hub Board (Communications Sub‑Committee Chair)

She also served as Co‑Chair of the 2023 SE4A Annual Conference in Asheville, which welcomed more than 700 attendees, and she is a graduate of the USAging Leadership Institute.

As Director, Tina leads a team of six and works every day to support older adults and caregivers through advocacy, program development, funding, and quality services. Her department earned national recognition for its work during the COVID‑19 pandemic. She is known across the state as a mentor, a problem‑solver, and a forward‑thinking leader in aging services.

“Tina’s dedication, compassion, and leadership have strengthened our region in countless ways. Her work expanded opportunities for older adults to live independently, safely, and with dignity. The WPCOG is deeply grateful for her service and wish her the very best in retirement,” said WPCOG Executive Director Anthony W. Starr.

“Tina’s steady leadership, and deep care for older adults made a real difference in our communities. We will miss her greatly, but we are excited for her as she begins this next chapter,” stated Randy Burns, WPCOG Chair.

Tina leaves behind a legacy of teamwork, innovation, and unwavering care for older adults. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments celebrates her outstanding career and congratulates her on a well‑earned retirement.