Episode 5 with Larry Curley

The Legacy Interviews hosted by Ken Dychtwald, a 12-part podcast series, features interviews with diverse pathfinders who have spent decades in the fields of aging, health and social services. It aims to capture the wisdom and character of gerontology’s pioneers to inform, inspire and guide current and future professionals in the field of aging for years to come.

Larry Curley, MPA, is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He has worked in the field of aging and healthcare for more than 40 years, first as a planner at an Area Agency on Aging in Pima County, Arizona. He was a lobbyist in Washington, DC, successfully advocating for the passage of Title VI of the Older Americans Act, an amendment he drafted; he also directed the Navajo Nation’s Head Start program. Curley served as Nursing Home Administrator of a tribal long term care facility; hospital administrator; on many commissions, boards and as a college instructor at the University of Nevada-Reno and Eastern Washington University. Twice he was appointed Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Health. In 2018, he was named Assistant Dean of the Four Corners Region for the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and served as the Public Representative on the American College of Physicians Clinical Practices Committee. Prior to being selected as Executive Director of the National Indian Council on Aging, he served as Director of Program Development for the Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in northwest New Mexico.