Argentum Announces Inaugural Class for New Leadership Program

by Jeff Shaw

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Argentum has announced the inaugural cohort for LEAD, the organization’s leadership development program for the senior living industry.

The 27 professionals selected, representing 14 senior living owners and operators, will participate in a series of networking and training opportunities, culminating at the 2021 Senior Living Executive Conference.

Connecting the program to real-time industry imperatives, LEAD participants will complete projects on critical topics related to COVID-19 and the its future impact, such as emergency preparedness for the next pandemic, ramping up telehealth and creative staffing solutions.

The cohort’s proposals and discoveries will become part of the 2021 Senior Living Executive Conference, scheduled for May 10-12, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn.

“Improving the depth and succession for executive leaders is critical for the long-term health and continuity of senior living owners and operators,” says James Balda, president and CEO of Alexandria-based Argentum.

A committee of senior leaders reviewed and scored candidates based on their background, experience, personal statement and letter of recommendation. All participants are members of Argentum companies.

The inaugural class includes:

  • Jonathan Barbieri, senior vice president, Hearth Management
  • Manuela (Ella) Barney, regional director of health, Five Star Senior Living
  • Cassondra Blair, director of organizational services, Integral Senior Living
  • Jennifer Deal, corporate director of human resources, Brandywine Living
  • Natasha Drake, vice president of marketing, Solvere Living
  • Ronda Duckworth, regional vice president, Commonwealth Senior Living
  • Serina Durrah, regional director of operations, Phoenix Senior Living
  • Elizabeth Ann Fetner, regional operations manager, Life Care Services
  • Laura Fischer, regional vice president of operations, Brookdale Senior Living
  • Heather Haley, regional director of sales and marketing, Integral Senior Living
  • Diahn Harrison, district director of operations, Brookdale Senior Living
  • Kari Hummel, senior director of finance and accounting, Life Care Services
  • Sundeep Jeste, regional vice president, Solvere Living (Solutions Advisors Group)
  • Kari Khanzadian, regional vice president of operations, Hearth Management
  • Heidi Miller, vice president of marketing, Discovery Senior Living
  • Shane Ness, regional director of sales, MBK Senior Living
  • Michelle Park Shinn, corporate director of marketing, MBK Senior Living
  • Lennon Pukowsky, senior software developer, Brandywine Living
  • Max Rheinhardt, executive director, MBK Senior Living
  • Erin Rohrbacher, senior regional director of human resources, Integral Senior Living
  • Keith L. Spencer, regional vice president, Solvere Living (Solutions Advisors Group)
  • Brittney Thoreson, vice president of housing, Knute Nelson
  • Brandy Valencia, regional director of operations for Southern California, MBK Senior Living
  • Christy Van Der Westhuizen, vice president of sales and marketing, MBK Senior Living
  • Victoria Vetter, executive project coordinator, The Arbor Company
  • Rick Westermann, vice president of sales and marketing, Life Care Services
  • Kristopher Yetman, senior development director, Benchmark

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