AARP North Carolina recognizes Mary Bethel with its most prestigious volunteer award

RALEIGH -- Mary Bethel of Fuquay Varina has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2025 AARP North Carolina Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. The award was formally presented to Bethel at a ceremony in Raleigh this week.

Bethel was selected for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited older North Carolinians and their families, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers.

"Bethel has not only been a force for older adults in 2025, she has been for her entire working life, said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender. “This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change. AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism, and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve,” Olender added.

For over 45 years, Mary has championed the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults—advancing advocacy, education, and policy initiatives that align seamlessly with AARP’s mission.

Her career began as a social worker in a local department of social services, where she supported vulnerable aging populations. She then spent three decades with the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, serving in key administrative, supervisory, and programmatic roles that shaped aging services statewide.

Mary’s impact deepened during her 10 years with AARP North Carolina as Associate State Director for Advocacy. In that role, she was a tireless advocate for older adults, influencing legislation and public policy to improve quality of life and expand opportunities for aging citizens.

In retirement Mary continues to lead with purpose. She chairs the North Carolina Coalition on Aging, serves on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and NC Senior Games, and co-leads All Ages, All Stages NC—the state’s Multisector Plan for Aging. Her leadership helped transform the Coalition on Aging from a loosely organized volunteer group into a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit known for its collective advocacy and policy work. She even served as its first Executive Director, laying the foundation for its long-term sustainability.

Mary Bethel is widely recognized as a Pioneer in Aging in North Carolina. Her work has consistently advanced AARP’s goals of strengthening communities, promoting equity, and ensuring that older adults have the resources and respect they deserve. Her legacy is one of vision, action, and unwavering commitment

Mary joins other Andrus Award recipients from across the nation who were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.