Telespond Senior Services New President and CEO

The Board of Directors of Telespond Senior Services, with offices in Scranton and Kingston, announced the appointment of Donna O’Toole Sedor as President/CEO effective August 8th. Sedor replaces Joseph J. Grilli, MPA, DPA, who is retiring. Sedor holds extensive experience in communications, fundraising, and program development. A dedicated community leader, Sedor also served as a chamber of commerce vice president for nearly 25 years.

As president and CEO, Sedor will oversee day-to-day operations, community awareness campaigns, and fundraising at Telespond Senior Services. Since 1974, the non-profit organization has provided on-site adult day care services, in-home personal care and a robust, volunteer-led senior companionship program to the residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding communities. Currently, Telespond has plans for two new initiatives to further support the region’s seniors: a Foster Grandparent program and an on-site Advocacy Center. To support the development of both initiatives, Grilli has been retained to advance and implement new Programs. In this part-time consulting position, Grilli will also continue to act as liaison for charitable foundations and grants.

Prior to joining Telespond Senior Services, Sedor served as Employment Navigator at Up Steps: A Program of New Roots, Inc. in Wilkes-Barre. Before working at Up Steps, Sedor held positions in program leadership and development at the Arc of Luzerne County, the Women’s Resource Center, and the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. She was Vice President of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce from 1990 to 2014 and has taught courses in public speaking and public relations at Wilkes University since 1987.

Anne Brennan, current secretary and outgoing chair of Telespond’s board of directors, thanks Dr. Grilli for his unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission. “Joe has worked tirelessly to promote and expand Telespond’s services,” she says. “He has helped renew the agency’s reputation as an essential service provider for our community’s aging population, and the board is grateful he will continue to serve as a consultant.” She welcomes Sedor to the organization on behalf of the board and says, “We believe that she will bring the same level of enthusiasm and dedication to Telespond’s mission.”