BOWLING GREEN — As only the third Wood County Committee on Aging director in the agency’s 50-year history — and following one of the most popular and hard-working directors in any county leadership — Alisha Nenadovich knows there are high expectations.

Mrs. Nenadovich, 41, was hired by the committee on aging’s board on Wednesday. She is replacing Denise Niese, who died unexpectedly in November at 63.

“I certainly will never replace Denise,” Mrs. Nenadovich said. “She was one of a kind. But I think everyone here will be continuing her legacy.

“I have a lot to learn, but I have proven myself as a leader in my previous experience and I look forward to this new challenge,” she said.

Mrs. Niese had served as the executive director since 2005.

“She has big shoes to fill. Denise Niese was beloved here,” said Nancy Orel, a committee on aging board member who has been serving as interim executive director. “Alisha will bring her own unique style.”

WCCOA is a self-incorporated non-profit, established in 1975 to serve older adults. With an annual budget of approximately $4 million, the committee operates seven centers, in Grand Rapids, North Baltimore, Pemberville, Perrysburg, Rossford, Walbridge, and Wayne. The main site is on South Grove Street in Bowling Green.

Growing up in Lithopolis, Ohio, Mrs. Nenadovich said she was close to her grandparents.

“I had four incredible grandparents. I had all four of them until 2018,” she said. “I was blessed to have a whole life with them. They were all very different, but they meant a lot to me.”

The Bowling Green woman has been the executive director of Brookdale Findlay for the last five years. She has spent all of her career with Brookdale, a senior living facility, moving up from caregiver to sales to executive director.

“I think that seniors have a great perspective. They have lived through so much. The stories they have to tell are so important,” Mrs. Nenadovich said.

Gerontology has always been her niche, she said. While studying the field at Bowling Green State University, she was named student of the year in gerontology.

“I have a passion for serving older adults. I love taking care of them and working with them and advocating for them,” Mrs. Nenadovich said.

Ms. Orel taught Mrs. Nenadovich at BGSU.

“Even back then, I recognized her potential,” Ms. Orel said. “She knows the community like the back or her hand. She has the experience, the skills, the knowledge.”

Mrs. Nenadovich, who officially starts the job April 6, is also a certified dementia practitioner. Additionally, she serves as a Wood County Hospital Foundation board member, and is chairman of the hospital’s guild membership committee.

She and her husband of 14 years, Bart, are always on the go with their two children, Riley, 10, and Logan, 7, who are active in sports. Mrs. Nenadovich has been a BG Soccer Club coach, and is past president of the Bowling Green Kiwanis Club.

“She’s been very involved in our community here,” said Dr. Tom Milbrodt, board president of the committee on aging.

The board received applicants for the position from around the country, but eventually narrowed the final candidates to all local people, Dr. Milbrodt said.

Ms. Orel was thanked for her service.

“She stepped in during a difficult time and did a great job,” said board member Eric Myers.

Mrs. Nenadovich will be paid $105,000 annually.

First Published March 12, 2025, 8:42 p.m.