Jo Anne Sutherland is a member of the Redmond Senior Center board. 

In the heart of Redmond, amidst the quiet hum of daily activities and the laughter of its vibrant senior community, stands a beacon of hope and resilience personified by Jo Anne Sutherland.

As a board member at the Redmond Senior Center, Sutherland’s journey is a testament to the power of expertise, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to community service.

Sutherland’s path to the Redmond Senior Center board was paved by experiences in local government and finance.

Her career, marked by numerous retirements from distinguished roles including city manager positions and significant contributions to government agencies, illustrates a lifetime dedicated to public service. However, it was her involvement with the city of La Pine that serendipitously steered her towards a new chapter of community engagement.

It was during her leisurely pursuits at the Redmond Senior Center, specifically while playing bridge, that Sutherland became acutely aware of the financial predicaments facing the center.

Discovering the absence of a formal budget and the looming uncertainties over its future, she saw an opportunity to extend her expertise. In 2019, Sutherland made the pivotal decision to join the board — a move that would soon prove indispensable to the center’s survival and growth.

With a formidable background in finance, management, and board operations, Sutherland quickly became a cornerstone in the battle to keep the center operational, particularly through the unforeseen challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her adeptness in navigating complex financial landscapes, combined with a strategic vision for the center, ensured that essential services including the crucial Meals on Wheels program continued unabated.

Sutherland has made significant personal investment in the center’s welfare. Despite facing personal losses and managing responsibilities across various organizations — such as FEMA and local economic development boards — her dedication to the Redmond Senior Center never wavered. Sutherland’s efforts transcended mere administrative support, touching on fundraising initiatives and actively promoting the well-being and expansion of the center’s offerings.

Under Sutherland’s stewardship, the Redmond Senior Center stands not just as a place for social interaction and recreation, but as a symbol of community resilience and the transformative power of collective action.

As the Redmond Senior Center continues to thrive, it does so on the shoulders of giants like Jo Anne Sutherland, whose life’s work underscores the essence of true leadership: the courage to serve, the vision to lead, and the heart to inspire. Her legacy is a beacon that will continue to guide the center toward a future where every senior is valued, supported and empowered.