Coastline Elderly Services has named Christine Sullivan Development Director for the nonprofit, the organization announced.

In the role, Sullivan will lead fundraising and communications initiatives and grow the organization’s visibility within the community.

Sullivan previously worked with Coastline as the director of the Age-Friendly New Bedford Initiative, a partnership between the city, Coastline, community-based organizations, and volunteers. She has six years of experience working in the South Coast region to support the health and well-being of older adults and those with disabilities.

“In hiring a development director, Coastline intends to expand our visibility in the community, which will in turn ensure those we serve will feel empowered and able to live independently in their own homes,” said Justin Lees, chief executive officer of Coastline.

“Coastline’s role in caring for individuals as they age has never been more important as an increasing number of Americans turn age 65,” said Sullivan. “I look forward to supporting the vital programs and services that Coastline brings to the community, including Meals on Wheels, our personal care and home care services, and our volunteer-driven programs, among others.”

Coastline also named Beth Perdue as the editor of Senior Scope, the regional monthly newspaper dedicated to news and information around aging. Perdue will take over from Seth Thomas, who has led Senior Scope for the past five years, and serve as a communication specialist for the agency.

Perdue brings 20 years of journalism experience to the role, including serving as executive editor of The Standard-Times in New Bedford for four years. She will continue the publication’s tradition of providing people of all ages with the resources they need to age well.

“Niche publications, such as Senior Scope, have incredible impact within the communities they serve, helping people identify and understand the information and resources they need to live well. I am excited and honored to be a part of an organization committed to providing this resource to the South Coast,” said Perdue.

Initially a project of the City of New Bedford, Coastline became the sole publisher of the paper beginning in 2018. Senior Scope’s readership has expanded in that time, with a more robust web presence and more original reporting from throughout the Greater New Bedford region.