DES MOINES, Iowa — After nearly four decades in the senior living industry, LCS CEO Joel Nelson has announced his succession plan.
Nelson has led the Des Moines-based owner-operator since 2018, one of only four who have held the title since the company’s start in 1971. Chris Bird, LCS president and chief operating officer, will be promoted to president and CEO, effective Jan. 1.
Nelson will continue to serve chairman of the LCS board and as a member of the company’s investment committee. He will also complete his remaining term on the Argentum Board of Directors.
Nelson has served the senior living industry since starting his career in LCS Operations in 1986. After serving in various officer and executive-level roles, he was chosen to launch a new LCS company, LCS Real Estate, in 2011. The success of that work expanded Nelson’s role in the company and led to his promotion to president and COO in 2015, and president and CEO in 2018.
“LCS wouldn’t be where we are today without Joel’s leadership, integrity and commitment to our team, residents and partners,” says Bird. “He has led LCS through tremendous growth and championed some of our most valuable initiatives. I have profound gratitude for all he has invested to make our organization one of the best in the senior living industry.”
The LCS portfolio features 132 communities that serve around 40,000 seniors in 31 states. The LCS family of companies serves the seniors housing industry through management, development, real estate, group purchasing and insurance.