At an employee and volunteer gathering in early December, JABA Board Chair Dick Gibson presented JABA CEO Marta Keane, on her 10th anniversary as CEO, with a resolution expressing their appreciation for her contributions to JABA.

"Marta possesses the proper balance between passion for mission and sound business practices," the resolution read, "and she has brought incredible energy, compassion, knowledge, innovation, business acumen, team-building, goal-setting, and success to all facets of JABA."

JABA’s Board members aren’t the only ones who have noticed Keane's contributions. Virginia State Delegate Sally Hudson and State Senator Creigh Deeds recently brought forward a Joint House Resolution honoring Keane, which will be presented to her by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in Richmond on Thursday, February 23 at 10 AM.

Sen. Deeds visited JABA right before Christmas and toured their Mary Williams Community Senior Center, Shining Star Preschool, and Respite & Enrichment Center with JABA CEO Marta Keene. Deeds also learned about JABA Insurance Counseling program, which helps people sign up for Medicare and lower the cost of their plans. Center members also peppered the Senator with questions about the need for affordable senior housing and supports that allow seniors to stay in their homes.

“I was visiting with a group of seniors, an 88-year-old woman and a 90-year-old woman, and both kept me sweating with tough questions,” Sen. Deeds said. “ I really enjoyed my visit and learned so much.”

Del. Hudson is also familiar with the work that JABA does in the community and acknowledged the importance of Keane’s leadership.

"JABA is a cornerstone institution for our community -- for seniors, caregivers, and their families -- and we all have Marta to thank for leading its indispensable work," said Del. Hudson." Now as president of the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging she's sharing her leadership with peers statewide. It's a joy to join the JABA team in celebrating the 10th year of having Marta at the helm!"

“For the past ten years, Marta has provided exceptional leadership and innovation at the helm of JABA," added Sen. Deeds. "She has navigated some of the most challenging of times with determination and an unwavering commitment to serving the community. I wish to congratulate Marta on her ten years at JABA and thank her for her all of her work on behalf of seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families.”

Keane received a B.A. in psychology and sociology from the University of Virginia and a Masters of Education in Speech-Language Pathology from UVA. She also has a postgraduate certificate in Strategic Foresight from the University of Houston. Before joining JABA, she was a vice president of Encore Healthcare and was the president of the Strategies Group LLC.