By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – One of the Pelham Senior Center’s most familiar faces is receiving a promotion within the organization.

Katie Augsburger, who previously served as the recreation coordinator for seniors within Pelham Parks and Recreation, is now taking on the role of Senior Center Supervisor.

“Katie’s heart for our senior community, creative programming and dedication to making every day at the Pelham Senior Center special have made a huge impact,” read a Facebook post from Pelham Parks and Recreation. “We’re so excited to see her step into this new role and continue to make a meaningful impact.”

Augsburger described the moment she found out about the promotion and her initial reaction to the news.

“My boss called me personally to share the news,” Augsburger said. “I felt proud, grateful and ready to take the next step. It means a lot to have that direct acknowledgement of the work I’ve done and the trust being placed in me moving forward. I felt excited and motivated to embrace the new responsibilities and keep building on the strong foundation we’ve created.”

Augsburger reflected on the promotion from both a personal and professional perspective, noting that personally the promotion is incredibly meaningful and reflects the trust and confidence the organization has in her leadership and vision.

“It’s rewarding to know that my contributions have made an impact,” Augsburger said. “I’m excited to take on new challenges and responsibilities that come with the supervisor role,” Augsburger said.

Professionally, Augsburger noted that the move is a significant step forward in her career and gives her the opportunity to lead on a larger scale, support her team more effectively and shape the future direction of the center. She further recognized the support from Pelham city officials as another positive.

“We have such meaningful support from the city council, mayor and city leadership,” Augsburger said. “I’m looking forward to continuing those partnerships and building on the momentum we’ve created to continue to grow programs that enrich the lives of our senior members.”

Augsburger has been with the Pelham Senior Center for 2 ½ years. She discussed what initially drew her to working with the senior community.

“I’ve always had a deep respect for the 55-plus community and the wisdom they carry,” Augsburger said. “What initially drew me in was the opportunity to create meaningful, engaging experiences for a population that’s often underappreciated. I saw the potential to build community, promote wellness and help people stay connected and purposeful as they age in place—and that mission really spoke to me.”

When meditating on what she loves most about working with the seniors in Pelham, Augsburger pinpointed the relationships as her favorite part of the job.

“Our members bring so much heart, humor and perspective to everything they do,” Augsburger said. “Every day is filled with stories, laughter and moments of connection. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone try something new, make a new friend or simply feel seen and valued. Knowing I play a role in that is what keeps me passionate and energized in this work.”

In her new role, Augsburger would like to explore more intergenerational programming to connect seniors with local youth. She is also seeking to invest in outreach efforts to ensure the senior center is reaching residents who may not know what the organization offers.

“Additionally, I’m interested in piloting more programs focused on topics like mental wellness, creativity and lifelong learning,” Augsburger said. “My broader goal is to make sure the center continues evolving in ways that reflect the needs, interests and diversity of our growing membership.”

Augsburger also said that she hopes to build on the center’s existing programs, enhancing what’s already working well by continuing to listen to members, tracking participation trends and identifying where the senior center can grow or innovate.

“I want to deepen the variety of programs we offer—not just in terms of activities, but also in how we support wellness, learning and social connection,” Augsburger said. “I also hope to strengthen partnerships with local organizations and professionals to bring in fresh ideas and resources while making sure our offerings stay accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

Augsburger concluded by describing the overall impact the senior center has on the Pelham community.

“The senior center is truly a hub of connection, wellness and purpose for the 55-plus community in Pelham,” Augsburger said. “It’s a place where people feel seen, supported and engaged—whether they’re coming for fitness classes, social events or just to share a cup of coffee with a friend. But the impact goes beyond our walls. We help reduce isolation, improve health outcomes and foster a sense of belonging that ripple throughout the larger community. It’s not just a resource for seniors—it’s a vital part of Pelham’s fabric.”

For more information on the Pelham Senior Center, visit Pelhamalabama.gov/641/Senior-Center.