Frank earns statewide aging advocacy award
Clinton resident Steve Day was presented a proclamation earlier this year by Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank for his ongoing support of the programs and events offered at the Anderson County Office on Aging and Senior Center. (photo:Anderson County Government )
Frank will receive the award Wednesday, Oct. 28, during the organization’s 2026 conference.
The award recognizes elected officials whose advocacy has produced meaningful and measurable benefits for older residents.
According to the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency, which nominated Frank, the recognition reflects more than a decade of leadership, investment and personal commitment to Anderson County’s senior population.
One of Frank’s most-significant accomplishments was her effort to bring management of the Anderson County Office on Aging and Senior Center under county government.
The county now manages the programs and services, while ETHRA and the East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability provide grant funding and resources for eligible services.
During her tenure, Frank has supported improvements to the Senior Center’s kitchen and facilities, health and wellness programs, transportation, safety, accessibility and community outreach.
Anderson County also expanded a health-education initiative supported by ETAAAD by hiring a part-time health educator.
Additional investments have provided exercise and health equipment, a new Senior Center van and automatic entrance improvements to assist people with mobility limitations.
Frank also helped establish ENCORE, Anderson County’s publication for older adults, and developed the concept for “Grow Your Knows,” a program that brings county officials to the Senior Center to help residents learn more about local government, available services and community resources.
Beyond her work on county programs, Frank has contributed her personal time and resources to activities at the Senior Center.
According to ETHRA, Frank has decorated the center for holidays, purchased cakes and bingo prizes, provided pizza for 85 seniors and sponsored an ice cream social.
She also recruited other elected officials to help serve refreshments.
During Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, Frank has worked alongside staff in the kitchen and serving line to prepare and serve meals to approximately 110 older adults.
Her advocacy also extends to the state level.
Frank serves on the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability after being recommended by ETAAAD’s Advisory Council and the East Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. She was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee.
In that role, she brings a local-government and East Tennessee perspective to statewide discussions concerning older adults and people with disabilities.
ETHRA officials said Frank’s selection recognizes her efforts to improve services while maintaining personal connections with the residents those programs serve.
The agency congratulated Frank on the statewide recognition and praised her continued commitment to improving the lives of Anderson County’s older residents.