(Shown in photo: Mickey Yamadera and Darrick Lam at ACC Maple Tree Village in August 2022)
By Darrick Lam
This past year has been very challenging for me, starting with the surgery of my wife in March, the passing of my 95-year-old mom in April, and then the sudden death of my 24-year-old daughter in September.
When I started at ACC Senior Services in 2018, my intention was to stay until I retired in 2035. However, my life and circumstances have changed. The most important thing for me right now is to be with my family back in San Mateo, so we can support one another during this difficult time.
In December, I notified the Board that I would resign my position as the President and CEO of ACC. My last day at ACC was December 31, 2022. I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Jean Shiomoto, Board Chair, for leading ACC in my absence and to the Board of Directors for their support during the past three months.
During the past five years, I have been very grateful for the valuable experiences and the opportunities that I’ve had serving as your President & CEO at ACC and as the Managing Agent for Meals on Wheels by ACC.
I joined ACC because it spoke to my heart. Among its founders were social workers like me who just wanted the elderly and underserved to have a better life. While a student at UC Davis, I interned at Health for All, a health clinic founded by ACC, from 1986 to 1987. Since then and with great fondness, I watched ACC grow over the years. I have been impressed by the passion of its volunteers, the dedication of its board, and the resources of its donors. As the President and CEO of ACC for five years, I appreciated all the staff for serving ACC’s senior living communities and delivering its home and community-based services with so much compassion. This is the reason why most of my charitable giving goes to ACC each year.
I am also very grateful to have been a part of the ACC Guitar Ensemble. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed providing entertainment during different events and for our different assisted living and independent living communities. As someone who is aging, I’ve experienced what it’s like to be an ACC program participant and a volunteer who plays music for others. It’s been a great experience.
Thank you for your friendship and support, especially during this time. I leave ACC with lots of hope for its future. Best wishes to you in the New Year!
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