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Beth Veazey gives inspiring new meaning to “making a difference” as executive director of Alzheimer Services for the Capital Area.

“This work has been very rewarding,” Veazey says of her 11 years with the organization. “It is amazing that there are so many happy moments in dealing with such a heavy disease. The families we serve have taught me so much.”

With the help of many people, she says it’s been meaningful work to be able to turn a small, struggling nonprofit with little name recognition into one that genuinely makes a difference in the community. Since Veazey started as its first staff person in 1996, the organization’s budget has grown from $33,000 to $700,000. It has grown from a staff of one to 11.

Alzheimer Services has become a comprehensive information and resource center, including its newest program, a social model Respite Center for early stage dementia patients. She has recruited people equally passionate about helping those affected by Alzheimer’s.

“I always wanted to have a career in which I made a difference,” she says. “It has given me the opportunity to be creative and wear many hats.”

Veazey is driven by her concern about assisting the 15,000 families affected by Alzheimer’s in the area. Her challenge continues to be developing sustainable funding by growing a multi-year giving society and corporate partner program. She praises her staff “as some of the finest individuals” and Alzheimer Services’ supportive board members. Her inspiration comes from seeing firsthand how their services help people.

“One of the most touching comments I received,” she says, “was from a spouse caring for her husband and her mother who told me, ‘Alzheimer’s Services has put hope back into my vocabulary.’”

If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be?

“Oprah Winfrey, because I admire how far she has come in life; Giada De Laurentiis, who could select the restaurant, food, wine and dessert (hopefully chocolate); and Ralph Lauren for his wonderful sense of style, business success and how he values family.”