In her first two months as program and volunteer manager at the Swampscott Senior Center, Jeannie Patz has made it a priority to get to know members, learn about their interests and understand how they enjoy spending their time. 

Patz, who stepped in after Sonja Nathan left to become director of services at West Newbury’s Senior Center, believes getting to know the Senior Center members will best allow her and the team to offer programming that people can be excited about.

“My goal isn’t to reinvent something that has been working really well,” said Patz. “My hope is to build off that success, enhance it and help our programming reach new participants. We want to expand on what has been built.”

In her first few weeks on the job, Patz helped develop the Senior Center’s summer showtime schedule, which includes transportation for members to and from concerts and movie screenings held throughout town. She said one of her goals is to strengthen connections between the Senior Center and other local organizations, making it easier for members to participate in community events.

“We want to make sure we are providing what people want,” said Patz.

Along with providing a robust event and speaker schedule, Patz said she also hopes to help foster connections between members and help people make friends.

“I want to continue strengthening partnerships throughout the community, introduce new educational, wellness, arts, and cultural opportunities and make sure every resident knows the Senior Center is a welcoming place where they can learn, socialize, volunteer and stay connected,” said Patz.

Patz, a Swampscott resident for the past 12 years, has a background in event planning for nonprofit organizations and said many of her responsibilities at the Senior Center build on the work she has done throughout her career.

“So far, I really like it,” said Patz. “I find the environment to be exactly the right fit for my personality and background.”

Despite some similarities with past roles, Patz said being able to serve residents of the town she lives in makes her work more rewarding. The seniors help make Swampscott such a great place to live, she said.

“This is even more fulfilling,” said Patz. “I am engaging with members of the community every day and getting to know them and the ins and outs of their lives.”