EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | ALZHEIMER'S ALLIANCE TRI-STATE AREA

Alzheimer’s Alliance Executive Director Terrie Arnold has given her heart and soul to this local nonprofit for the past seven years. Educating, caring, and connecting to those who are affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia is the goal of the Alzheimer’s Alliance. The Texarkana community is very fortunate that this nonprofit also offers Our Place Day Respite Center, a place for caregivers to bring their loved ones for the day so they can receive a much-needed day of rest.

Why did you decide to be the ED of Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area?

Prior to my current position, I worked as the ED for Susan G. Komen for the Cure for 10 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with SGK and witnessed many medical advances during that time in the treatment and survival rate for breast cancer. The organization was financially sound because of its strong leadership. When I was asked to consider the ED position with the Alzheimer’s Alliance, and I learned more about the organization. In my heart, I believed God was leading me to this organization. The AA needed ways to increase sustaining dollars to continue their mission and help families in our community. I believed I could use my talents that I gained during my time with SGK to complete this task. I was able to accomplish that with the leadership of a strong board of directors and fundraising committee who helped our new fundraiser, the Twice as Fine Wine Festival, come to fruition.

Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.

Working in the nonprofit world is very rewarding, but you must have a strong desire to help others and be able to deal with the day-to-day stress and heartbreak. In dealing with breast cancer, there are losses but also many victories. However, with Alzheimer’s and dementia, there are no victories, and there is no cure. Each day, we work diligently to help families dealing with this horrible disease and pray that a cure will be found.

Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?

I know this sounds cliché, but it is my mother. She is the most caring and compassionate person I know. I hope that I can be that person and try to follow her example every day.

Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.

FAMILY and Dallas Cowboys football. My family is my most precious gift; we spend every Thanksgiving together cheering for the Cowboys and counting our blessings. (Hopefully, the Cowboys win, too).

What do you love most about the Four States area?

I was born and raised in Texarkana, and I am proud to call it home. This community is so giving, I am able to witness this every day! We could not do what we do without the compassionate volunteers and those willing to support our organization financially.

What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?

Mental health issues have increased significantly during the pandemic. I have seen firsthand through the AA’s Our Place Day Respite program how the pandemic and the long-term isolation has caused a decline in the mental health of not only those we care for at our facility, but the population in general.

How would you like for others to remember you?

I would like to be remembered for being humble and kind. I hope when people remember me that it makes them SMILE.

Feature Stories

Terrie Arnold | The Alzheimer’s Advocate