Blake Management Group Names New Chief Operating Officer, Chief Strategy Officer

by Jeff Shaw

JACKSON, Miss. — Blake Management Group has expanded its executive team with the addition of Katie Kleinsmith as chief operating officer and Jessica Heck as chief strategy officer.

Kleinsmith will oversee core operational functions and support onsite teams. Heck will oversee new developments, sales, strategic growth and project development, and will be spokesperson for the company.

Kleinsmith brings over 28 years of senior living sales and operations management experience to Blake. She has served in regional and national roles with Manor Health Care, Brookdale Senior Living and Marriott Senior Living.

Kleinsmith has served on the board of directors for the Alzheimer’s Association and the Virginia Coalition for the Aging. She was also an appointed member of the Virginia Governor’s Commission on Alzheimer’s Disease, and is currently a member of the Women Business Leaders for the US Healthcare Industry. 

Heck comes to Blake with extensive independent living, assisted living and memory care experience from Elmcroft and Atria. 

Kleinsmith has a bachelor’s degree in English and economics from George Mason University. She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education post-graduate program with a certificate in finance.

Heck is a motivational speaker and author, with a bachelor’s degree in communications and finance from the University of Louisville, where she is currently working toward an M.B.A. She serves on the board of the Kentucky Senior Living Association as chair of the Education Committee. She is also an Argentum Ambassador.

Blake Management Group is a privately held senior living operator formed in 2007. Based in Jackson, the company operats 20 communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia.

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