Editor’s note: This story was updated on Friday, Sept. 28.

CRAIG — The Senior Social Center has hired its first executive director.

Krystal Baker began part-time with the Senior Social Center in July.

She returned to Moffat County about 17 years ago to raise her three children and one step-child and enjoy camping and other recreational opportunities afforded in the area.

In addition to her new role as executive director, she will also retain her position with Northwest Colorado Health as its senior services manager for Moffat and Routt counties.

“These positions will certainly complement each other, and we are so very happy to have Krystal at the helm of the Senior Center,” the board of directors wrote in a news release.

Baker agreed.

“At Northwest Colorado Health, we have collaborated a lot with the Senior Social Center in aquatics and Geri-Fit. I learned of the opening, and the boards worked together to create a shared position,” she said.

Since her start date in mid-July, Baker has been settling in, working on new and different collaborations and grant funding opportunities.

“Baker’s duties will be many, and we are certain she can handle both positions with a great deal of dignity, passion, and a caring heart,” according to the news release.

One of her goals is to find the center a more permanent home that offers larger space, especially for the aging well programs.

“It’s pretty crowded at the Bell Tower,” she said.

Another goal is to further grow the organization’s membership to include seniors older than 60, as well as those approaching their senior years, by securing grant funding to expand hours and develop a volunteer program.

“Our main goal is to keep our seniors active — socially, mentally, and physically — aging in place, so that they can stay in their homes as long as possible,” Baker said. “This opportunity has kept me busy the last couple of months, but I feel like I have the best job in Moffat County.”

There are currently 300 members registered at the senior center, Baker said. She hopes to increase those numbers by including people in their 50s or near retirement age to register.

A new logo was unveiled at the quarterly membership meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27 at Veteran’s Hall, 419 Victory Way. The new logo took inspiration from Moffat County’s logo, according to Baker. The logo is sleek and modern and was designed with familiarity in mind.

During Thursday’s meeting, Baker provided an executive director update, the board gave an update, and Dan Davidson, director of the Museum of Northwest Colorado, talked about the museum and the proposed mill levy designed to help support the museum and Moffat County Libraries.

Reporter David Tan contributed to this story. Contact Sasha Nelson at 970-875-1794 or snelson@CraigDailyPress.com.