New LARSO Director Plans Broader Senior Services for County

The Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos introduced Ramon Garcia as the new executive director of the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization at their December 16 meeting. Garcia, who is originally from Mexico and attended high school and college in New Mexico, arrives with experience as a fundraiser for St. Michael’s School and prior involvement with the Pojoaque Boys and Girls Club. Club members heard his plans for strengthening LARSO and supporting county seniors.

Garcia thanked the community for what he described as an open and warm welcome, and he praised the diligence, commitment and heart of LARSO’s employees and volunteers who serve older residents. He said he believes that serving seniors directly impacts a community’s health and well being. As the new director he outlined a framework built around five components, including positive mindset and resilience, physical and cognitive health, deeper social relations, promoting independence and environmental mastery, and strengthening systems of care.

Those priorities signal changes that could affect local programming and resource allocation. Garcia’s fundraising background suggests LARSO may pursue expanded outreach to donors and partners to sustain services and possibly broaden offerings such as wellness classes, cognitive support activities and volunteer driven social programs. Strengthening systems of care could mean closer coordination with county health providers and nonprofits to reduce service gaps for older residents who rely on LARSO for social connection and basic supports.

For Los Alamos County residents, the leadership change may translate into new volunteer opportunities, updated programming for seniors, and renewed emphasis on maintaining independence for older adults. Local stakeholders and potential partners will likely be watching how LARSO translates the five component strategy into measurable programs and services in the coming months.

Garcia closed his remarks with a succinct challenge to the community and his staff, saying, “A vision without action is a nightmare.” His appointment sets a direction for LARSO as it seeks to bolster senior well being and community resilience going into 2026.