Pifer worked as a research associate at U-M Counseling and Psychological Services, worked in administration at U-M Hospitals and was a research associate at Mental Health Research Institute in Ann Arbor. She also served on the direct care staff at Courtyard Manor Assisted Living Facility in Wixom and was a science resource teacher in the U. S. Peace Corps, serving in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 1992 to 1994. Pifer has over 15 years of experience with events planning, which will be helpful as the Chelsea Senior Center prepares to host its fifth annual Spring Business Expo on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features over 100 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and crafters from the local area. With free admission, the event is a crowd pleaser offering crafts for sale and activities for kids. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the center provide affordable programming and valuable resources for its members.
Nepal RPCV Trinh Pifer selected as new Chelsea Senior Center executive director
CHELSEA: Pifer selected as new Chelsea Senior Center executive director
Published: Friday, March 25, 2011
Trinh Pifer, former executive director of the Arbor Research Collaborative for Health in Ann Arbor and current owner of the Garden Mill in Chelsea, was appointed executive director of the Chelsea Senior Citizens Activities Center.
A search committee, appointed by the Chelsea Senior Center Board of Directors, selected Pifer. Member Anne Comeau co-chaired the board.
"We interviewed an impressive group of candidates from a talented pool of applicants," said Rodney Payne, the center's board president and co-chair of the search committee. "Ultimately, the committee chose Trinh, based on her experience, education, her record of leadership and her personal outreach skills. We're confident in Trinh's ability to engage current and prospective members of the Senior Center, and think she will establish meaningful connections for the Center with area businesses, organizations and community residents of all ages.
"We expect Trinh to bring solid direction and vitality to the Center and take it to new heights; the Board of Directors looks forward to working with her."
Pifer holds bachelor's and master's degrees in public health degree from the University of Michigan. She worked at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health (formerly the University Renal Research and Education Association) for seven years, first as a data collection manager from 1998 to 2001 and as executive director from 2001 to 2005.
In addition, Pifer worked as a research associate at U-M Counseling and Psychological Services, worked in administration at U-M Hospitals and was a research associate at Mental Health Research Institute in Ann Arbor. She also served on the direct care staff at Courtyard Manor Assisted Living Facility in Wixom and was a science resource teacher in the U. S. Peace Corps, serving in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 1992 to 1994.
Pifer has over 15 years of experience with events planning, which will be helpful as the Chelsea Senior Center prepares to host its fifth annual Spring Business Expo on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features over 100 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and crafters from the local area. With free admission, the event is a crowd pleaser offering crafts for sale and activities for kids. Proceeds from this fundraiser help the center provide affordable programming and valuable resources for its members.
Pifer has been an active member in the Chelsea school district and business community for more than a decade, serving as a classroom volunteer, girls soccer coach and member of various event committees, including Hometown Holidays, Sounds and Sights, and Wine, Women and Shopping. In 2009, she launched and continues to head Chelsea's Chocolate Extravaganza. Additionally, she has collaborated with the Chelsea Area Garden Club on civic beautification projects and organized three garden walk fundraisers. She currently serves on the Chelsea First Steering Committee, several committees of the Chelsea Area Garden Club and was a board member of the Chelsea Center for the Arts for three years.
She and her husband have two school age daughters and live in Chelsea. Pifer has owned the Garden Mill in downtown Chelsea for almost six years, but is ready to return to a career in program development and the public health sector,
"I'm very excited to join the Chelsea Senior Center's team of dedicated staff, board members and volunteers," Pifer said. "The organization is committed to providing a diverse range of programs, resources, and support for its 600 plus members.
"The center is truly a valuable asset for Chelsea, and I'm looking forward to increasing our presence in the community."
As for the Garden Mill, Pifer is planning to sell the business as she moves into her new role. It is currently listed for sale with Willem Van Reesema, a local business broker in Chelsea,
As Pifer transitions into her new role at the Chelsea Senior Center, she will continue to foster the many community relationships that she has established as a resident and business owner in Chelsea.
