Movers & Shakers: Saint Therese Hires CEO; EmpowerMe Wellness Adds Chief Medical Officer

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Saint Therese Heading in New Direction with CEO

Minnesota-based Saint Therese is set to welcome Craig W. Abbott as president and chief executive officer next month.

Abbott will succeed Barb Rode who is retiring after over two decades with the organization. Saint Therese offers a range of senior living options from independent living to skilled nursing.

Abbot’s career in senior living started in 1993 with Volunteers of America National Services. He’s also held operational leadership roles with other non-profit organizations including The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society and Minnesota Masonic Homes. Most recently, Abbott served as Executive Vice President of Health Dimensions Group.

Over his 17 year career with Health Dimensions Group Abbot has served in an array of executive leadership roles.

As a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the state of Minnesota, Abbott was a previous recipient of the Kal Michaels Administrator of the Year Award, he has served on the Board of Directors for Leading Age Minnesota, has led multiple organizations that have received “Great Places to Work” designation.

He holds a bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Hospital/Healthcare Administration from Moorhead State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College. In addition, he holds an MBA Certification in Healthcare, 2 Business and Quality Management from the University of St. Thomas, Center for Medical Affairs in Minneapolis.

Nonprofit in D.C. Area Adds Finance Leader

Rockville, Maryland-based Ingleside older adult service provider recently welcomed Jamie Spencer as its new chief financial officer after previously serving in an interim capacity.

Spencer graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and received a master’s degree in business administration from Northeastern University. He is also a certified public accountant, licensed in Pennsylvania.

St. Louis Health Provider Adds Chief Med Officer

St. Louis, Missouri-based EmpowerMe Wellness, an integrated health provider serving more than 450 senior living communities, hired Dr. Jody Mitchell, MD. as chief medical officer.

Mitchell will oversee and manage clinical practices, focus on staff development for field clinicians, and use current research and practices to provide better outcomes for residents of senior living communities nationwide.

Mitchell has been with Owensboro Health in Owensboro, Kentucky, since 2012, most recently as Medical Director of Outpatient Services and Medical Director of Athletic Training Services. He has also served as Owensboro Health’s Medical Director of Healthpark, Kentucky’s only facility certified by the national Medical Fitness Association.

New Director for Massachusetts Community

Benchmark Senior Living at Haverhill Crossings in Haverhill, Massachusetts brought on Nick Barash as the new executive director of the assisted living and memory care community.

Barash comes to Benchmark from Atria Merrimack Place in Newburyport where he was the executive director. Previously, he was with Landmark Senior Living communities in Beverly. Barash graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.

New Jersey Life Plan Community Adds HR Lead

Laurel Circle, a life plan community in Bridgewater, New Jersey, recently named Doreen Anthony as director of human resources. Anthony will be responsible for developing and executing strategies for attracting and retaining an engaged workforce.

Anthony comes to Laurel Circle with over 30 years of experience in the HR field. Previously, she served as the Director of Human Resources for Erickson Living and C3i, Inc.

Anthony has served on the Board of Directors for The Employers Association of New Jersey since 2013. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Thomas Edison State College.

ED Rejoins Kansas Senior Living Community

Lifespace Communities added Rob Salierno as executive director of Claridge Court in Prairie Village, Kansas after he previously served as ED of Claridge Court from 2011 to 2016. Salierno began his career at Claridge Court at 17 years-old as a dining room server, then as lead server, dining room manager, and food and beverage manager. He earned his administrator’s license and served in that capacity at another Lifespace community before returning to Claridge Court as executive director.

Salierno received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and his Executive Master of Business Administration in Management from Rockhurst University.

Washington Life Plan Community Welcomes New Leaders

Senior living provider Penrose Harbor welcomed Angela McCloskey as director of nursing and Heather Sydnor as assisted living nurse manager to the Heron’s Key Life Plan community in Gig Harbor, Washington. In this role, McCloskey will be planning, organizing, developing and directing the nursing care program. As assisted living nurse manager, Sydnor is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of health care services to residents.

McCloskey brings 15 years of healthcare experience. She has a background in long-term care, post-acute care and rehabilitation. McCloskey graduated with an associate degree in nursing from Excelsior College and obtained her practical nursing license from Bates Technical College.

Sydnor has been working in healthcare since 2003. She has a background in patient care, memory care and resident services. She also earned her Certificate in Practical Nursing from the Center for Training and Development in addition to LPN and BLS certifications.