It’s been way too long since I caught up with Jill Skinner. This brilliant, cheerful woman has lived an extraordinary life – and she’s still going strong. Barely past her graduation from UT, she landed an internship with MCA Records and, six months later, became the executive assistant to Irving Azoff, Chairman of MCA Music Entertainment Group. Shortly after, Azoff left MCA to start Giant Records, a joint venture with Warner Brothers, and Jill went along. She held various positions at the new venture, working with acts such as The Eagles, Seal, and Christina Aguilera. While contemplating her next move, she spent time as Barbra Streisand’s personal assistant – a short stint with a lasting impression.
Switching directions, Jill moved on to television where she became a writer and producer for Dr. Phil. “Producing a daytime talk show was intense – often seven days a week with some days 15 to 20 hours. It was a lot of pressure, but our team made every moment bearable. It was an incredible learning experience – pushing my personal boundaries of what I ever thought I could achieve,” Jill said.
In 2007, Jill felt the pull to return to Austin, her hometown. With both parents in their 70s, and her sister raising two kids, she wanted to be close to family. This is when her nonprofit career began—landing a job as the Chief Program Officer for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. “Each wish felt like a mini-production. Creating unique experiences for children with critical illnesses was an incredible way to utilize my background in the creative world and bring so much joy to those who needed it most,” she says. She also served as Chief Communications Officer and Major Gifts Officer during her 14-year tenure.
Ready for a new challenge, Jill left to serve as executive director for Drive a Senior ATX. This nonprofit enables older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation, and age in place by providing transportation and support services. “What Drive a Senior does is so important – and with a rapidly aging population, it’s even more so now. I have met the most incredible people – our clients share stories of their lives, their contributions to society, and their gratitude for the services we provide.”
Recently, Drive a Senior Austin, Senior Access, and Chariot, three mission-aligned agencies, have merged to form one united agency -- Drive a Senior. At the heart of the merger is the desire to serve a greater number of older adults across Central Texas and expand to reach those currently in unserved areas. “We have offices in Tarrytown and Round Rock, but we serve Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties,” Jill says.
In a typical month, they do around 2000 rides and services. These rides can be crucial to their clients' lives – ensuring they can get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other necessary destinations.
Part of the Drive a Senior mission is to help their clients avoid social isolation. As Jill points out, in 2023 the US Surgeon General released a report stating that loneliness is an epidemic that has devastating health impacts, including increased risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, depression, and longevity. For many of their clients, the selfless volunteers may be the only people they see that week. To help older adults stay connected to their community, Drive a Senior offers social outings, games days, and other ways to build relationships.
Another critical service is the Friendly Caller Program, where volunteers make scheduled phone calls to check in with clients and offer companionship. In one instance, a 90-year-old client missed her usual call and didn’t return it by day’s end. Because a volunteer knew her routine, the team requested a wellness check through 311. The client had fallen and broken her hip and was unable to reach her phone. She was transported to a hospital, received treatment, and made a full recovery—highlighting how simple, consistent human connection can be truly lifesaving.
Drive a Senior works closely with a wide network of community partners who also serve older adults, recognizing that no single organization can meet every need alone. Through these relationships, clients are often connected to additional services beyond transportation—from home repairs and food assistance to healthcare and social support. This coordinated network of caring professionals understands the complex challenges many older adults face, particularly those with limited income, little or no family nearby, or difficulty navigating the challenges of aging. Together, these partnerships ensure seniors receive more comprehensive, compassionate support that helps them remain safe, independent, and connected.
Jill says, “During my short time at Drive a Senior, I’ve learned that it truly takes a community working together to help seniors age with dignity and independence. It’s such an honor working with older adults who have helped shape our community and have led extraordinary lives. Overseeing this operation is so fulfilling. More and more of the population is getting older, and these services are crucial.”
Feedback about Drive a Senior’s programs
A client sent a letter to the Drive a Senior team that started with: “My life before Drive a Senior.” The page was blank. The next page began, “My life with Drive a Senior. Remember the scene in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy steps out of her dreary black-and-white world into a technicolor dreamscape brimming with life? That is my life with Drive a Senior.” She goes on to describe a special day she had with a volunteer who celebrated her birthday with her in a big way. She ended her letter by saying, “I know not all Drive a Senior experiences can be like this day, but there is one thing I know for sure…I am no longer alone.”
“One of my favorite descriptions of what Drive a Senior does came from a volunteer who has provided over 15,000 rides and counting. He said, “For many clients, we are a sounding board, a counselor, an advisor, and a friend. Through general conversation, our clients become more comfortable expressing their feelings with us. The ride becomes an afterthought. Simple gestures, such as asking them about their past, whether work or family-related, can generate a spark in their eyes. I'm 74 years old, so I can personally relate to most of the clients I serve.”
