Commission on Aging Members

The Commission on Aging strives to represent the diversity of Clark County. Commission appointments are based on experience and expertise in addressing the needs of seniors.

For additional information about the Commission on Aging, please contact commission staff at 564.397.4913 or email at comm-aging@clark.wa.gov.


Dick Clairmont

First term expires 5/31/26.


Cass Freedland, Vice-Chair

Cass brings three decades of diverse academic, administrative and grant management expertise to the Commission on Aging. She was responsible for the expansion of mutually beneficial community collaborations and educational programs that connected people, ideas and resources together. Dr. Freedland places great emphasis on developing strong bonds between organizations, volunteers and communities. And she champions respectful civic engagement experiences, empowering individuals to more fully participate in informed advocacy. First term expires 5/31/24.

2022 COA Headshots

Franklin Johnson, Chair

Franklin has volunteered and served on a variety of community boards working to make his community a better place to live. He serves on the Board of his neighborhood association and has been vice chair and co-chair. He also has provided his time and service to the City of Vancouver’s Neighborhood Transportation Safety Alliance, the CDBG selection committee, and assisted with the selection of the city’s fire and police chief positions. Franklin’s professional career was largely within the US Department of Agriculture and he and his wife currently run an educational consulting services company. Second term expires 5/31/25.

COA headshots-Franklin Johnson

Ken Lund

Ken Lund is a transformative leader in senior care with a 30-year legacy of redefining healthcare excellence. As CEO of Nosilla Relyt, Inc., he significantly increased valuation and occupancy, pioneering the first full-continuum post-acute healthcare model in the U.S. at Shea Family. At Goodwill of Olympics and Rainier Region, Ken drove substantial retail expansion and profitability. A Pacific Lutheran University graduate in Finance and Accounting, his strategic vision merges operational acumen with a commitment to quality. Ken's career is a beacon of innovation and efficiency, highlighting his unique ability to turn challenges into groundbreaking opportunities in senior care. First term expires 5/31/24.

2024 COA Ken photo

Donna Mason

First term expires 5/31/26.


Ellen Rogers

First Term expires 5/31/25.


Justin Ross

First term expires 05/31/2026.


Mel Sanchez

As a high school teacher for 35 years, Mel has developed a strong and life long dedication to community. Even though retired for over a decade, Mel continues to contribute to making Clark County a better place, volunteering at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Naturescaping of Southwest Washington's Wildlife Botanical Gardens in Brush Prairie.  He will strive to ensure the Aging Community is well represented. First term expires 5/31/25.

2022 COA Headshots-Mel

Larry Smith

Larry developed an insight and perspective on government policy development and implementation as a former 12-year member of the Vancouver City Council. He also serviced as parks and recreation director for seven years; as an assistant to the city manager for five years; and was a C-TRAN advisory board chair and member.  His volunteer activities include participating as a board member for Partners in Careers, community military appreciation Committee, The Historic Trust, Downtown FISH Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and Veteran’s Court Advisory Board.  Commissioned as a second lieutenant is the Army, he retired in 1991 as a colonel of infantry. Second term expires 5/31/24.

Larry Smith, Commission on Aging