We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Bohannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
It is my desire to continue to lead FSL as it finds ways to meet the growing demand for aging related health and housing service. I want to be known as a role model for active aging so making sure I am able to prioritize self-care will be important. Through my leadership, our organization will be known as the go to agency that provides services, navigation and advocacy for those who want to age with optimal physical, mental, spiritual and financial health and peace of mind. Our process will be one where we continue to ask the community what their needs are, engaging stakeholders and collaborators to find ways to stay on track to meet the needs of the Silver Tsunami. We will have embarked on Vision 2050 and will have a roadmap to implement strategies to serve those with chronic conditions and their caregivers, as well as adults who want to prepare for and live an active aging lifestyle. I also aim to be involved with successfully implementing systemic change when it comes to health and wellness and housing resources. When I retire, I will be smiling because we will begin to start seeing communities embrace our elders similar to the way children, animal and environmental causes are loved and supported.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At FSL, we are deeply committed to helping Arizonans age with confidence by providing essential services like affordable housing, nutritious meals, health and wellness programs, and caregiver support. What truly sets us apart is our holistic approach to addressing the needs of seniors—that we work together to address the root causes of health issues. One of the most pressing challenges we face today is the fact that by 2034, there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 18 for the first time in history. This demographic shift has profound implications for our healthcare and housing systems, and at FSL, we’re actively preparing for this future by focusing on sustainable, long-term solutions.

Like many nonprofits, we’ve had to navigate funding challenges, growing demand for services, and the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Thankfully, one of our core values is resilience, which means that our passionate team is committed to fulfilling the mission, regardless of the challenges.

What I want the world to know about FSL is that we are not just reacting to the challenges of today—we are proactively planning for the future. As the population ages, it’s essential that communities are equipped to support this shift. FSL is proud to be celebrating 50 years of service to Arizona in 2024, and I believe there is an important place for us in the state of Arizona in the next 50 years. At FSL, we’re proud to be leaders in that space, working to ensure that all Arizonans, regardless of their circumstances, can age with confidence.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s first Friday so we head to downtown Phoenix – strolling along Roosevelt Row and stopping into the Phoenix Art Museum. We stop into the Churchill for dinner and to pick up State48 gear.

Saturday morning we would head to the Desert Botanical Gardens to explore the desert up close and have lunch at Gertrude’s. On the way back home we stop in to some of our favorite vinyl stores: Zia and Stinkweeds and then a stop at Frances and Cordially for some local merchandise shopping. We’d barbeque at home featuring meats from Hobe Meats and Schreiner’s Fine Sausage.

Sunday we attend early Mass at the beautiful St. Francis Xavier Church and then off to hike Piestewa Peak. Late lunch would be at my personal favorite – on the patio of Postino on Central.

Monday we get on the road to Tucson with a stop at The Mission San Xavier del Bac, lunch at the James Beard award-winning El Guero Canelo for its famous Sonoran dogs. Before heading back to Phoenix, we take a self-guided scenic audio drive of Mount Lemmon.

Tuesday morning we pack the car and head to Northern Arizona with stops along the way in Cottonwood, Jerome, Whiskey Row in Prescott and arrive in Sedona in time to watch sunset from the airport followed by dinner at Elote Café.

Wednesday morning is breakfast at Coffee Pot and take a trolley ride through town to identify all the red rocks! Then we’d head north on Route 89A to Flagstaff to see the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon and spend the day walking through downtown Flagstaff visiting the shops. After an afternoon hike or kayak around Lake Mary, we’d end the day with dinner on the patio at The Oakmont.

Thursday morning we continue north until we hit the south rim of the Grand Canyon to take a tour, and take in all the beauty. We would spend the night at the cabins inside the park.

Friday, we’re headed back to Phoenix with a stop at Rock Springs Café for their world-famous pie before heading to Sky Harbor to send our friends home from the best week ever!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m inspired by everyday people doing great things in our community and our world. They motivate me to get involved in creating solutions! But I also want to give a special shoutout to family caregivers. These individuals—whether they’re caring for aging parents, a spouse, or other loved ones—are the unsung heroes of our society. They often juggle full-time jobs, personal commitments, and caregiving responsibilities without much recognition or support. Their dedication and selflessness inspire me every day to keep advocating for resources that will ease their burden and help their loved ones live more comfortably. Family caregivers, in particular, have such unique insights into the challenges of aging and caregiving, and their perspectives are invaluable in shaping the programs and services we offer at FSL. So, a big shoutout to them for their tireless efforts—they deserve all the recognition and support we can give.

Website: https://www.fsl.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarabohannon/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FSLvideos

Image Credits
Photo credit: FSL

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