Bridging Generations: Celebrating Carla Dyment’s Five Years of Service at the Agency on Aging
When we think about public service, we often think of policies, budgets, and programs. But at its core, true public service is about people, and few embody this more completely than Carla Dyment, the Director of the Flathead County Agency on Aging (AOA). This month, Carla celebrates a milestone of five years of dedicated service to Flathead County, reflecting a journey deeply rooted in family, community, and a profound respect for older adults in our community.
Carla’s path to leadership at the AOA began with a personal awakening. After growing up locally and graduating from Bigfork High School, life took her to Oregon and Chicago before eventually drawing her back home to be near family and the outdoor lifestyle she loves. Wanting to make a difference in people’s everyday lives, she set her sights on the Agency on Aging, shifting from a background in youth and family ministry to services that support older adults. “I was inspired to join a team that provides services that support older adults and family caregivers because of my family’s experience having that much more quality time with my grandmother because my aunt cared for her in her home.”
Over the past five years, Carla has championed a workplace culture at the AOA centered on mutual respect and shared purpose. "We each have an important role to play, and we rely on each other in order to continue the mission of providing services to older adults that foster independence and healthy living."
It is a mission that requires deep collaboration, both within the Agency, and in the community. Or as Carla simply puts it: "We can’t do the job without each other.”
What makes Carla's perspective so vital for Flathead County is her forward-looking approach to aging. She views the work of the AOA not as a reactionary service for today's seniors, but as an investment in the future for all of us. Because we are all aging, the efforts of the AOA team today are actively building the foundation and experiences for the coming generations of aging Americans. That includes continuing to build supportive services for family caregivers, who she says often go unnoticed.
When asked about her favorite part of the job, Carla doesn't point to a specific administrative achievement. Instead, she points right back to the people: "I love being a part of a team. The AOA team and the County team."
As for what the future holds, Flathead County is fortunate to know that Carla’s heart remains firmly planted right here. "I really value the work I'm doing now in this position and being a part of this team," she says. "I can’t imagine being anywhere else."
Congratulations to Carla Dyment on five incredible years. Thank you for your leadership, your heart for our seniors, and your dedication to making Flathead County a place where every generation can thrive.