Duet Executive Director Ann Wheat to Retire After Years of Transformational Leadership
Duet: Partners In Health & Aging announces the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Ann Wheat, whose leadership has left a lasting legacy of compassion, innovation, and impact for older adults and family caregivers in Maricopa County and beyond. She will step down in December 2025 after nearly two decades of service and advocacy.
“As Ann approaches her 69th birthday this November, she has shared her intention to embrace the gift of time to pursue the activities she loves with the people she holds dear,” said Duet: Partners In Health & Aging Board President Cheryl Plewa.
“Ann’s passion, humility, and collaborative spirit have shaped every corner of Duet,” states Plewa. “She has led with both head and heart, ensuring the organization remains deeply rooted in its mission while growing to meet the changing needs of our community.”
Ann’s Dedication to Duet’s Mission
Since stepping into leadership at Duet, Ann Wheat has been a driving force behind the organization’s evolution into a nationally recognized nonprofit. Her tenure has been marked by strategic growth, deeper community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to dignity and independence for aging adults.
Under her guidance, Duet has expanded its reach, strengthened its services for family caregivers, and continued to be a lifeline for isolated elders, grandparents raising grandchildren, and those navigating health challenges. She first served on Duet’s Board of Directors from 1999 to 2005, and in 2014, came out of retirement to serve as Director of Family Caregiver Services. In this role, she was instrumental in securing the largest grant in Duet’s history from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, driving a 20% annual growth in family caregiver services.
Following her appointment as Interim Executive Director, Ann officially became Executive Director in July 2019, leading Duet through one of its most challenging and defining periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her compassionate and strategic leadership, Duet expanded essential services for homebound adults, family caregivers, and grandfamilies, and incorporated virtual community service models to address older adults’ pressing needs and dispel their isolation and loneliness.
One of Ann’s most meaningful achievements is her collaboration with Dr. Pauline Boss to create the Finding Meaning and Hope discussion series, based on the groundbreaking book Loving Someone Who Has Dementia. The program now supports family caregivers in 17 states, Canada, indigenous tribal nations, and Spanish-speaking communities across Arizona, a lasting testament to Ann’s vision and commitment.
“I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary compassion, resilience, and generosity that define our mission, especially in supporting family caregivers, whose courage and love inspire me daily,” shares Ann Wheat. “While it is bittersweet to retire, I do so with immense gratitude for the staff and volunteers whose compassionate work transforms despair into hope for the thousands of older adults we serve. I have full confidence in the Board’s thoughtful succession plan to find the right leader to guide Duet into its next era.”
Ann’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in shaping Duet’s mission and impact. Her legacy will continue to inspire our work as we advance our vision of a community where every person ages with compassion, dignity, and hope.
To honor Ann’s extraordinary contributions to Duet and the greater community, the organization will host an open-house style retirement celebration on December 4. Community members, supporters, and partners will be invited to join in celebrating her legacy.
By making a tribute gift in Ann’s honor, you will both celebrate her remarkable achievements and help ensure her passion for Duet’s mission continues to thrive for years to come.
Transition Plan and Succession Strategy
In preparation for this leadership transition, Ann is working closely with Duet’s Board of Directors to implement a thoughtful and comprehensive succession plan. A Succession Planning Committee, composed of the Executive Director, Board President, and members of the Executive Committee, will guide the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of Duet’s next Executive Director.