Laurel's Tracey Lankford Receives National Honors from AARP

AARP Maryland senior operations associate Tracey Lankford is the recipient of AARP’s 2017 Community, State and National Affairs Operational Excellence Award. The honor is given annually to one staff member from AARP’s 53 state and territorial offices who has exhibited outstanding service and performance in advancing the nationwide organization’s operational goals and objectives throughout the last calendar year.

“I am very appreciative that AARP recognizes Tracey’s significant skills and management abilities that greatly contribute to the success of the AARP mission – to empower people to choose how they live as they age,” said Hank Greenberg, AARP Maryland state director.

The Operations Award Panel selected Lankford noting that her work and dedication have been exceptional. They cited examples of several cost savings initiatives she instituted to streamline processes and more effectively manage budgetary resources, as well as her leadership in engaging colleagues in operational efficiencies and leading peer to peer trainings. Lankford was described as "always in motion to gain new skills, involve herself in broader state issues, while working diligently with the state volunteers."

Lankford oversees the daily operation of the state office, working closely with the State Director, including the management of financial functions, oversight of internal controls, preparation of forecasts and development and management of the annual state budget. She also helps to develop the financial strategy and contributes to the development and execution of the state office strategic goals – coordinating all staff office strategy and planning meetings, team building events, and retreats. Lankford takes care of day to day management of the office and facilities, and manages the acquisition of technology needs for the staff, volunteers and contractors. She assists with the hiring and onboarding of interns and contractors, and liaises regularly with volunteers.

Lankford joined AARP after 5 years with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. She held a multitude of positions with Marriott International Headquarters, where she worked for over 10 years.

Lankford earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland and is currently earning her Master of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore. She lives in North Laurel, Maryland with her husband, Leroy.