Burke native Evitt to lead regional aging agency

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments has promoted Sarah Evitt to director of its Area Agency on Aging, tapping a Burke County native with more than a decade of experience serving older adults across the region.

Evitt, who has worked with WPCOG since 2015, will lead programs serving Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties. She most recently served as aging program manager.

She holds an associate degree in applied science in criminal justice from Western Piedmont Community College, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lees-McRae College and a master’s degree in human services from Walden University.

Evitt began her career at WPCOG as an aging specialist, where she coordinated health promotion programs such as Tai Chi for Arthritis for Fall Prevention, A Matter of Balance, and Living Healthy. She also served as lead monitor, became a certified reverse mortgage counselor, and provided counseling to older adults and their families.

Her work has earned regional and statewide recognition. In 2021, she was named a Hickory Young Professionals Top 10 Under 40 honoree and is a graduate of the USAging Leadership Institute.

Promoted to aging program manager in 2022, Evitt expanded her leadership role while continuing program work. She chaired the Aging Specialist Association, completed Leadership Burke and Leadership Caldwell, and contributed to statewide initiatives through North Carolina’s All Ages, All Stages plan.

“Sarah is a fantastic asset for our region, and we are proud of what she has accomplished and what she will do in her new role to serve our senior population,” said WPCOG Board Chairman and Burke County Commissioner Randy Burns.

WPCOG Executive Director Anthony Starr said Evitt has earned the confidence of staff and partners across the region.

“Sarah has proven herself to be a smart and capable leader, and I look forward to her leadership of the Area Agency on Aging,” Starr said.

Evitt said she plans to build on the agency’s existing work while expanding its reach.

“As a dedicated advocate for older adults and caregivers, I am honored to continue this work in a new capacity,” she said. “My experience at the local, regional and state levels has prepared me to lead with purpose.”

Evitt succeeds Tina Miller, who is retiring after 28 years leading the agency.

Miller said Evitt is well prepared to take over the role.

“Sarah has been a dedicated and highly valued member of our department for the past 12 years,” Miller said. “She has grown into a respected leader and will continue to support older adults and caregivers across our region.”

Evitt credited Miller with helping shape her career.

“Tina has built a strong foundation for the Aging Department,” she said. “I am deeply thankful for her mentorship and the opportunity to continue this work.”

ABOUT WPCOG

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments is a regional planning and service agency serving Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties. Its Area Agency on Aging provides advocacy, planning and services for older adults, caregivers and aging service providers.

— AKC