Movers & Shakers: Lancaster Pollard, Lifespace Communities

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Lancaster Pollard Hires Managing Director for M&A Group

Senior living lender Lancaster Pollard has hired Adam Zeiger as a managing director for the firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) group, according to a press release.

In his new role, Zeiger will join Lancaster Pollard’s Chicago office and lead the firm’s sell-side and buy-side advisory services for seniors housing properties. Before joining the firm, Zeiger was a senior investment officer at Care Capital Properties, where he helped lead the company’s investment and marketing strategy.

Lancaster Pollard was acquired last September by ORIX USA, a division of international financial services group ORIX Corporation.

Lifespace Communities Announces New Lifespace Foundation Director

Senior living owner and operator Lifespace Communities has named Amy Brainard as director of the Lifespace Foundation, an organization that uses philanthropy to forward the health and welfare of the company’s residents.

The Des Moines, Iowa-based nonprofit chose Brainard for her fundraising experience and her vision for the foundation, according to company CEO Sloan Bentley.

Brainard came to Lifespace from the University of Iowa, where she helped lead advancement fundraising.

Meet Ziegler’s New President and CEO

Chicago-based specialty investment bank Ziegler has named Dan Hermann as its new president and CEO, effective March 31. Ziegler’s current CEO, Tom Paprocki, plans to retire that same day.

Hermann a 30-year veteran of Ziegler, currently serves as the company’s head of investment banking. He will continue to serve in that role once he assumes the title of Ziegler’s president and CEO.

Read more at Senior Housing News.

Florida Watermark Community Hires Leadership Team Ahead of of Spring Opening

Watermark Retirement Communities has hired Karyn Brinkley as executive director of its The Watermark at Vistawilla assisted living and memory community.

The Watermark at Vistawilla will have 87 residences available for rent in a variety of floor plans and sizes. Amenities include gardens and nature paths, a library, cafe, game room, movie theater, beauty salon and barbershop. The community, which is slated to open in March, is located in Winter Springs, Florida.

Brinkley, a licensed assisted living administrator and a certified dementia practitioner, will oversee the community’s operations and financials while promoting high occupancy and resident satisfaction, according to a press release.

Watermark also hired Debbie Mercadante as the community’s sales director and Lisa Celona as its community life director. Additional hires include Bob Garcia as maintenance director; Arlene Richardson as program director; Pamela Craft as human resources director and business office manager; and Chester Dibas as dining services director.

HumanGood Appoints Executive Director at California Community

Non-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) organization HumanGood has hired Rochelle Balaban to oversee its Rosewood community in Bakersfield, California, according to a press release.

Balaban has more than 20 years of senior living experience, including time spent as a registered nurse, director of nursing and administrator at two HumanGood sister communities in San Diego County.

Erickson Adds Interior Design Expert at Houston Community

Erickson Living has appointed Jessica Ceballos to serve as facilities manager at Eagle’s Trace, a CCRC with 825 residents in Houston.

In her new role, Ceballos will meet with future and current residents to provide them with options and amenities meant to enhance their floor plans. She brings more than 12 years of interior design experience to her the position, including at Frontier Custom Builders and Elizabeth Cole LLC.

EPOCH Community in Boston Hires Executive Chef

EPOCH Senior Living has named Jason King as the executive chef of Waterstone at the Circle, a 92-unit luxury independent living community in Boston, the company announced.

In his new role, King will design seasonal menus for residents with locally grown and sourced ingredients. Dining options at Waterstone at the Circle currently include organic produce, fresh seafood, cage-free poultry and farm-to-table selections.

Prior to joining Waterstone, King served as executive chef for a different senior living community in Lincoln, Massachusetts. His 25 years of culinary experience includes time spent under several James Beard award winners and in the kitchen of Starwood, Hilton and Wyndham hotels. King has also worked as a butcher and operated his own catering company.

Written by Tim Regan