United Methodist Communities’ new interim leader is preparing the organization for success as it looks for a new CEO.
Bob Peterson became the Neptune, New Jersey-based organization’s interim president and CEO at the end of September following the departure of former President and CEO Mark Lenhard, who left to lead aging services organization Parker Health Group.
Peterson has served as the organization’s chief financial officer since 2019, and will be among the candidates as the board looks to secure a permanent leader.
Under his leadership, UMC will continue to look to grow in new areas, including by renovating existing communities, strengthening the partnerships of the UMC Foundation and expanding its home care network, Peterson told Senior Housing News. The company also could take on new development projects in the Garden State.
“We’re really moving along. We have a great team with really no slowdown in our momentum at this point,” Peterson said.
UMC leaders are expanding HomeWorks, the operator’s home health care service, to reach and connect with seniors in their homes while establishing a pipeline for potential future residents. The service is available to some residents residing within one of the organization’s four senior living communities and five affordable senior housing communities.
Through HomeWorks, UMC can extend more services to middle-income older adults. The operator’s leaders are exploring ideas for new amenity-light developments where residents can contract care through HomeWorks.
“[We’re looking at] providing it to people as they need it, and not having it all inclusive, because you know people can’t afford to necessarily pay for things that they don’t need,” Peterson said. “It’s going to be part of that solution in some form or fashion.”
Alongside affordability issues, UMC is addressing staffing concerns. The company is this year and next rolling out a new recognition effort called , Elevation Hospitalitythat recognizes staff members who exceed expectations. Team members nominate each other for the recognition, and a committee chooses two staffers each month to get the accolade, which includes a gift card prize.
The company also recognizes an “elite performer” each quarter.
The company has rolled out the recognition program at Collingswood Manor in Collingswood, New Jersey. Staff use the program to lift each other up without requiring a manager to take notice first.
“It’s been well received, they see the benefit of it,” Peterson said.
Companies featured in this article:
