Senior Living Visionaries

Episode Overview: What separates an exceptional board chair from an ineffective one? In this episode, host Jennifer Drago breaks down the essential traits, responsibilities, and challenges of nonprofit board chairs. She shares a compelling case study of a board chair who unintentionally derailed an organization’s progress and offers practical insights for selecting and developing strong board lead...

Episode Summary: Have you ever left a board meeting feeling like you checked off every agenda item but didn’t tackle the big-picture questions that shape your organization’s future? In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries , host Jennifer Drago dives into the power of generative discussions —a mode of governance that sparks strategic insight, fuels innovation, and enhances board engagement. Le...

Are your board meetings a waste of time or a strategic powerhouse? In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago dives into best practices for making board meetings more engaging, impactful, and strategic. Learn how to create cohesive agendas, leverage generative discussions, and optimize the use of digital tools to enhance board engagement. If you’re ready to transform your bo...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago wraps up her series on nonprofit board orientations with a deep dive into the underutilized practice of annual board reorientations. She explains how this simple yet impactful strategy can ensure nonprofit boards remain engaged, aligned, and committed to their roles. With practical tips and insights, Jennifer highlights how reorientations can help nonprofits av...

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago dives into the transformative power of board mentorship programs. As part of our series on board orientation, Jennifer shares practical tips on how assigning experienced board members as mentors can elevate new board member success. From fostering engagement to promoting effective governance, learn why board mentorship is a game-cha...

In this episode, Jennifer Drago dives into the essential components of a successful board orientation with a focus on crafting effective board handbooks. Jennifer emphasizes why a robust orientation process sets the stage for new board members to engage quickly, align with organizational goals, and deliver meaningful contributions. Introduction and Why Board Orientation Matters (0:00) The importan...

Are your new board members set up for success from day one? In this episode, Jennifer Drago, host of the Senior Living Visionaries podcast, discusses the importance of proper board orientation for new members. She emphasizes that a well-structured orientation process provides a solid foundation, enhances board member engagement, and retains them longer. Drago cites a 2017 study by George Mason Uni...

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago interviews two guests about an innovative middle market senior living product they have under development: Matt Thornhill, leader of Cozy Home Community, and Jim Pieffer, CEO of Presbyterian Senior Care Network. Cozy Home Community, also known as pocket neighborhoods or cottage communities, feature 12 homes built around a community...

This episode features Bob Roth, Managing Partner of Cypress HomeCare Solutions, discussing the trends in home care including workforce challenges, technology options and opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the senior care industry. Connect with Bob: Email: bobroth@cypresshomecare.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobrothchs ***Want to learn proven strategies to unlock the hidden revenue...

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, hosted by Jennifer Drago, strategy consultant and CEO of Peak to Profit, we delve into the crucial topic of board governance, focusing specifically on board engagement. The discussion begins with an introduction to a valuable free resource available on the Peak to Profit website (www.peaktoprofit.com): the Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment, wh...

In this episode of Senior Living Visionaries, host Jennifer Drago welcomes Dr. Amanda Young and Elizabeth Weglein from The Wesley at Home. Jennifer, a seasoned strategy and governance consultant, introduces her guests and answers their questions about governance as they endeavor to strengthen their Board of Directors. *** Maximize your board's potential! Grab a copy of Nonprofit Governance Self-As...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago, strategy and governance consultant and CEO of Peak to Profit, shares key takeaways from the Arizona LeadingAge 2024 Conference. Jennifer also summarizes the valuable insights and trends discussed at the Arizona LeadingAge conference. **Looking for more expert insights? Grab a copy of our valuable resource, "13 Secrets to Increase Senior Living Profitability in...

In this episode, Jennifer Drago, a Strategy Consultant and Host of the Senior Living Visionaries Podcast, discusses the importance of term limits and having a regular board member assessment process for nonprofit boards. Jennifer’s strategy development and governance expertise has helped senior living, healthcare and nonprofit organizations increase profitability and impact. In this episode, Jenni...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago interviews Jill Vitale-Aussem, president and CEO of Christian Living Communities, a Colorado-based not-for-profit organization. Jill discusses the importance of cultural transformation in senior living organizations, strategic planning, financial sustainability, combating ageism, creating a positive experience, and more! You can follow Jill on her socials: http...

Succession planning is crucial but often overlooked in nonprofits. More than 70 percent of organizations lack formal CEO succession plans and emergency transition procedures. This leaves boards unprepared when sudden leadership changes occur. What happens if your CEO leaves unexpectedly? Who will take over financial and operational responsibilities on short notice?  Senior Living Visionaries...

Today, Jennifer Drago, an experienced strategist and business coach, hosts a solo episode. She’s passionate about executive leadership and strategic planning. Jennifer has worked with senior living organizations and nonprofits, helping them improve their governance and strategic planning. In this episode, she discusses a very important topic: the need for board education and understanding about th...

In this episode, we interview Rob Liebreich, the President and CEO of Goodwin Living, a faith-based nonprofit serving over 2,500 older adults. His passion for empowering older adults to take control of their brain health through non-pharmacological solutions makes him a leader worth paying attention to. Today, Rob discusses how his nonprofit is innovating across its continuum of care through evide...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago interviews Lisa McCracken, Head of Research and Analytics at NIC. She shares her expertise in senior living research and data-driven insights on industry challenges and opportunities. She showcases practical examples of how organizations nationwide are embracing opportunities to meet the demands of a changing marketplace. As we begin, Lisa guides us through the...

In this episode, Mark Beggs and Kent Devereaux discuss the origin and development of the partnership between Edenwald Senior Living and Goucher College to create a new university-based retirement community. They also discuss the lifelong learning opportunities of their partnership, the opportunities that this partnership brings to both students and residents and the planning/integration process. F...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago interviews Ann Conn, the President and CEO of McGregor Foundation. Today, Ann shares her expertise in senior living leadership and innovation and in navigating the complexities of expanding programs like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and fostering community-based services effectively. Go to https://mcgregorfoundation.org/ to learn mor...

In this episode, we interview Michele Holleran, the founder and CEO of two firms: Holleran Consulting and DeArment Consulting. Michele is an expert in strategic planning and executive coaching and has been recognized by various organizations in the aging services sector for her ability to improve organizational culture and leadership effectiveness.  Visit https://www.holleranconsult.com/ to l...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago interviews Nancy Koury King, a home and community-based services (HCBS) consultant and executive coach. She recently retired as the President of Senior Options, LLC and Westminster-Canterbury at Home, LLC, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Nancy provides insights on expanding home and community-based services (HCBS) for...

In this episode, we have invited Kim Hoppe, Chief Financial Officer at Brio Living Services to talk with us about partnerships and joint ventures in senior living. At Brio Living Services, they have approached a number of partnership and collaboration opportunities by defining their organizational culture, fostering curiosity, setting clear return on investment expectations, overcommunicating with...

In this engaging episode, host Jennifer Drago engages in a compelling conversation with Sue Paul, who serves as the Senior Director of Well-being and Brain Health at Asbury Communities, Inc. Sue not only unveils the fascinating birth of Asbury's innovative brain health center but also delves into the different methods she utilizes to engage residents around improving their brain health as part of...

In this episode, host Jennifer Drago interviews JD Shuman, President and CEO of the Asbury Foundation, and Andrew Jeanneret, Chief Financial Officer at Asbury. The discussion centers around the strategic plan guiding the philanthropic efforts of the Asbury Foundation and its key areas of focus. We also discuss the role of the CFO in supporting philanthropy, both internally and externally, obstacle...