Commission On Aging

CoA ~ Staff

Julia Evans Starr, MSW, Executive Director

Julia Evans Starr, MSW, has earned the distinction of being one of Connecticut's leading advocates for the state's burgeoning and diverse population of older adults.

She provides expert testimony at critically important General Assembly public hearings and serves, along with her staff and Commission members, as a credible, objective source of information for state legislators and decision-makers in all levels of government.

Joining the Commission staff just six months after it was created by the General Assembly in 1993, Ms. Starr was appointed executive director of the State Capitol-based agency in 2001. The independent Commission is comprised of 17 volunteer voting members appointed by the governor or state legislators and 16 ex officio members who are dedicated professionals within state government.

One of Ms. Starr's most important achievements has been her ability to build, lead and energize influential coalitions in support of older adults of today and tomorrow.

She established and manages the Connecticut Elder Action Network, comprised of key leaders in the field of aging, to encourage and enhance collaboration with diverse organizations that share information, resources, and expertise.

As co-chair of the state's Long-Term Care Advisory Council, she and co-chair State Rep. Peter F. Villano lead a diverse group of providers, advocates and consumers who develop public policy that serves the long- term care needs of older adults and persons with disabilities.

Ms. Starr's leadership played a critical role in the General Assembly's 2006 passage of legislation mandating a comprehensive statewide Long-Term Care Needs Assessment, the first in more than two decades. The assessment, completed in the second half of 2007, will serve as a roadmap leading to systemic enhancements that will profoundly affect the future of care and support for millions of Connecticut residents of all ages.

A frequent keynote speaker and panelist, Ms. Starr hosts a monthly radio program dealing with older adult issues, appears regularly on radio and television programs and contributes newspaper and magazine articles on topical issues.

Recognized as a "Champion of the Elderly" by the Connecticut Coalition on Aging, Ms. Starr earned her Master's Degree at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.

“The Connecticut Commission on Aging continues on its role of advocacy, working to address the needs of a population that is on the verge of unprecedented growth, longevity and diversity. Our nation is home to 36 million people over the age of 65 and 78 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964."

"In Connecticut alone, we have over one million baby boomers whose sheer numbers will profoundly impact our state over the next several decades. Never before has the role of the Commission on Aging been so vital.”

Julia Evans Starr

Robert J. Norton, Director of Communications

Rob joined the Commission on Aging staff in November 2005 following a 25-year career as a communications executive with Aetna Life & Casualty and The Hartford Financial Services Group. His corporate career is complemented by 10 years of experience as a reporter, editor and news bureau chief for two of Connecticut's largest daily newspapers.

While at Aetna he directed public relations, marketing communications, advertising and public affairs programs dealing with Medicare, long-term care and managed care. Before joining the Commission he spent six years as vice president of Executive and Marketing Communications at The Hartford.

Rob, of Granby, is a Connecticut native and Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years as a military journalist covering Air Force operations worldwide. He is the vice-chairman of the the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army of Greater Hartford and the former chairman of its Community Relations Committee.

Debra Polun, Legislative Director

Deb joined the Commission on Aging staff in December 2007, moving into advocacy work after nine years on the Senate Majority Office public policy staff. She works with policymakers on both sides of the aisle throughout the legislative process, serving as an objective resource and helping to advance initiatives that improve the lives of today’s and tomorrow’s older adults. Deb also represents CoA on a number of statewide and regional work groups and task forces.

While working for the Senate, she focused primarily on health care and social services issues. She worked with legislators, advocates, constituents, legislative and agency staff and others to develop and facilitate the passage of legislation affecting the lives of many of the neediest individuals in the state.

Deb is an alumna of Tulane University and the University of Connecticut. She lives in West Hartford with her husband and two children.

Deborah Migneault

Deborah Migneault, Community Liaison and Webmaster

Deb joined the Commission on Aging staff in July 2006. She was instrumental in developing the state's Long-Term Care Website, first as a Commission intern and later as an independent consultant. She continues to work on content development for the site and is also webmaster of the CoA website.

Deb represents the Commission on several work groups and community initiatives including the Money Follows the Person Steering Committee, Aging and Disability Resource Centers workgroups and the CT Disability Advocacy Collaborative.

Deb previously served as the project coordinator of the Western Connecticut Area on Aging's "REACT" Program. Deb lead a team of clinical social workers and a nurse practitioner that provided in-home services, outreach and awareness education to persons with Alzheimer's Disease and their caregivers.

Deb earned her Master’s Degree at the University Of Connecticut School Of Social Work with a concentration in Policy Practice and Aging. She lives in South Windsor with her husband and three children.