Commission Staff

KAROL SWARTZLANDER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Karol has served as the Executive Director of the California Commission on Aging since August 2019. She achieved an increase in CCoA staffing that has enhanced the Commission’s advocacy, outreach and policy functions, and boosted its visibility among State officials, the Legislature and aging and disability stakeholder communities. With 24 years of state service focused on aging and long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs and policies, she has worked for the Departments of Aging, Health Care Services and Social Services. Swartzlander also served as project director and provided leadership on multiple federal grant initiatives (Systems Transformation, Real Choice Systems Change, Aging and Disability Resource Connection) under the California Health and Human Services Agency from 2007-2014. Her work is guided by a passionate focus on innovative solutions and collaborations that support Californians to live in the communities and settings of their choice.

Prior to state service, Swartzlander worked over seven years in the fields of international development and education. She holds a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) and a Bachelor of Arts in International-Intercultural Studies from the University of Montevallo (Montevallo, AL).

PATRICK SMITH

POLICY AND RESEARCH

Patrick Smith is the Policy and Research Analyst for CCoA where he provides analysis on legislation and emerging trends in aging. Prior to his current position, he worked on CalFresh policy as an analyst with the California Department of Social Services. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara and a Masters in Public Policy from McGeorge School of Law. In his spare time, Smith can be found watching sports, playing golf, or looking for the best burrito in Sacramento.

MARIJKE MELMAN

OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

Marijke Melman is the Commission’s Outreach and Engagement Analyst. Her role is strategic, conceptual, and executional: leveraging design and communications to articulate vision, expand influence, and share solutions. Melman has a background in communications, graphic design, marketing, and event planning. She produces CCoA’s outreach and marketing assets and contributes to the planning and support of the Commission’s meetings and events. She lives in Sacramento with her husband and sons and loves the outdoors, art, reading, community, and travel.

PETER ANDERSON

RETIRED ANNUITANT

Peter Anderson supports the California Commission on Aging (CCoA) through legislative advocacy and general office operations. His work includes analyzing legislation, drafting official correspondence, and assisting with state reporting, policies, and procedures.

Anderson brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors. He has served as Chief Consultant and Consultant to various Assembly Committees—including Fiscal, Policy, Human Services, Aging and Long-Term Care, and Health—working across party lines. He has also held roles with the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board and served as the Legislative Liaison for both the California Department of Aging and the Department of General Services. In the private sector, Anderson has worked as a lobbyist representing numerous healthcare clients.

A long-time Sacramento resident, Anderson lives with his wife, Tami, and their beloved dog, Maddy and cat Mr. Posey.