Peggy McNamara is the new executive director of the Sno-Valley Senior Center. She was chosen by a unanimous vote of the center board last week, following a public reception with community members on Monday, July 28.

At the reception, McNamara charmed the audience with stories about the leaders who inspired her — co-workers who surrounded themselves with smart, capable people and “minimize the drama,” historic leaders ranging from King David to Abraham Lincoln, and her own in-laws, particularly her mother-in-law who is strong, capable and struggling with the limitations that age is forcing upon her.

“She’s used to being in charge… being needed,” McNamara said.

As is McNamara, who currently serves as the president of the Carnation Chamber of Commerce, and is a curriculum writer for online real estate classes. She recently completed the transition of another non-profit, Acres of Diamonds in Duvall, from crisis to stability as its executive director. Through her leadership, the organization restructured under a parent organization and greatly expanded its volunteer base. She remains on the board, but resigned the director’s post once the transition was complete.

Her extensive resume and experience working with volunteers was well received at the reception, but the clincher for her could also have been the quote she used for inspiration in her talk.

“This is from Eleanor Roosevelt — her words, not mine: Beautiful young people are accidents of nature. Beautiful old people are works of art,” she said. “Can you imagine, if everyone who walks through these doors is treated like a work of art?”