Leadership Teams

As president and chief executive officer of LCS, Joel Nelson is responsible for executing the business strategy across all business lines in the LCS Family of Companies. Joel provides leadership and direction for business growth, service excellence, and enhancing the company’s stability and value among financial partners, property owners, and other stakeholders in the senior living field. Joel joined LCS in 1986 and has held several executive roles. He is responsible for the oversight of serving 40,000+ seniors in 140+ communities.  

Joel serves on the board of managers for Life Care Companies, LCS Holdings, is a member of the compensation committee and is a trustee of the Company’s 401(k) benefits program. He also has served on the board audit committee and the insurance captive (Hexagon). Outside LCS, Joel serves on various industry and community boards. Within the industry, Joel is member of the National Investment Center operator advisory board, a member of the Argentum Board of Directors and the co-chair of the public policy committee. Joel is active in the Des Moines community and serves as a trustee for ChildServe and is a member of the Central Iowa United Way Board of Directors. Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and health care administration from Simpson College. 

As a high energy, results-driven executive, Diane Bridgewater directs all financial aspects and operating infrastructure at LCS to ensure corporate, field and community team members have the resources necessary to provide exceptional customer satisfaction to residents. Serving as executive vice president/chief financial and administrative officer at LCS, Diane is responsible for directing all financial and business operations in addition to overseeing the company’s insurance business line, information technology, compliance, regulatory and legal matters. In her executive leadership role, Diane helps to drive strategy development and execution resulting in strong financial performance and growth. 

At LCS, Diane serves on the Board of Managers, Life Care Companies LLC; Board of Directors, LCS Holdings, Inc.; Audit Committee, Life Care Companies LLC; 401K Administrative Committee, Investment Committee and Enterprise Risk Management Committee. Outside the organization, she is a member of the Argentum – CFO Roundtable. In addition, Diane sits on Casey’s General Stores board, audit committee and compensation committee. She is also a member of the board and audit committee at Guide One Insurance. Diane holds bachelor's degrees in accounting and French from the University of Northern Iowa.

Capitalizing on his reputation as a change agent, Chris Bird brings his expertise to the communities LCS serves. By leading operations, building community occupancy, fostering capital partner relationships, and developing new business, Chris implements strategies to deliver on the expectations of owners and shareholders. As executive vice president, chief operating officer, Chris oversees Life Care Services, CPS, asset management, procurement, and onboarding operations. His ability to analyze issues, devise continuous process improvements, and incorporate business process initiatives drives performance improvement for the overall operation.   

At LCS, Chris mentors future leaders by providing guidance, expertise and resources to develop professional skills in the senior living industry. In addition, he is a member of the LCS Board of Directors and the LCS Audit Committee. Chris is a member of the Argentum Advisory Council and the Argentum Chief Operating Officer Roundtable. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Memphis, Tennessee. 

Serving as executive vice president/senior managing director of Life Plan Communities, Rick Exline leads a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to elevating senior living experience. With over four decades of knowledge and expertise, Rick oversees the company’s Life Plan Community management services, national marketing and sales, and the LCS health care group. Collaborating with the LCS leadership team, Exline identifies growth strategies that maximize market opportunities for single site, affiliated, and third-party managed communities. With a precise focus on performance excellence, Rick’s team developed and launched the next generation opportunity platform for third-party managed Life Plan Communities. This innovation transformed the regional operations support model by relocating regional and corporate support staff. 

At LCS, Rick serves on the board of managers for Life Care Companies LLC, the board of directors for LCS Holdings, Inc., and the executive leadership and senior living management teams. Rick is also a trustee for the company’s 401(k) benefits program. Outside the organization, Rick serves on the Simpson College Board of Trustees and is a board member for Above & Beyond Cancer. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration and health care leadership.  

As the executive vice president/senior managing director of development and real estate, Charles Murphy is responsible for the strategy and performance oversight of LCS Development and LCS Real Estate. Capitalizing on his experience in developing, acquiring and managing commercial real estate for more than 30 years, Chuck directs the investment strategy and builds strategic partnerships that enhance the services LCS provides. Applying his expertise of working with a range of property types including hospitality, residential, land development and health care within private equity, public and entrepreneurial platforms, Chuck leads his teams to create special three-dimensional experiences for senior living communities and the seniors they serve. 

At LCS, Chuck is a member of the LCS Investment Committee. Outside the organization, he is a member of the Urban Land Institute, Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association and he serves as a board member of the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at The University of Wisconsin. Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in real estate investment analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

In support of the LCS vision, Monica leads the human resources team to ensure the LCS Family of Companies has an appropriate holistic talent strategy. In her role as senior vice president, chief human resources officer, Monica oversees effective recruitment, employee engagement, professional development, and the delivery of a competitive compensation and benefits program. Her focus on fostering a highly engaged workforce and environment ensures that LCS is the employer of choice in the senior living industry. By effectively executing on the Extraordinary Impressions framework, Monica assures LCS is well-positioned to create opportunities for purposeful living filled with rich experiences for its employees and senior living residents.  

Monica holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations human resources with highest distinction from The University of Iowa along with SPHR and SHRM-SCP designations. In addition, she is a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Community Leadership Program and was named to the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty under 40. Monica was recognized as a Women of Influence honoree and awarded the American Red Cross Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership. She sits on the MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center board and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire CHAASE board. She is a past member of the Business Education Alliance and United Way of Central Iowa boards, and she is the past board chair of the American Red Cross Iowa Chapter. At LCS, Monica is a member of the LCS Foundation Board of Directors. 

As the chief information officer for the LCS Family of Companies, Frank Vedder leads technology delivery and innovation. With the importance that technology plays in providing rich experiences to senior living communities, teams under Frank's leadership focus on providing operational efficiency and services to residents, and the staff who support them. With his guidance, LCS provides a nimble set of capabilities enabling expanded services to new communities in a minimally disruptive fashion. Frank's strong track record of partnering with business leaders, providing innovative technology solutions and attention to customer satisfaction that drives revenue growth, benefits LCS partners and the senior living communities it serves. 

At LCS, Frank leads initiatives to integrate technologies that advance the organization. In addition, he serves on the company's innovation council, enterprise risk management team, HCM Cloud steering committee and the committee on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Outside of the organization, Frank is a member of the Argentum Information Technology Roundtable as well as the Des Moines CIO Forum. He holds a bachelor's degree in math and computer science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MBA from The University of Iowa.  

Jason Victor is senior vice president, controller and treasurer for LCS. In this role, he provides oversight and direction for the organization’s financial matters, ensuring its consistent and efficient fiscal performance. Jason has responsibility for the organization’s corporate accounting, corporate payroll, community payroll, treasury and tax departments. He oversees all aspects of general accounting, cash management, billing and receivables, accounts payable, payroll, consolidations and financial reporting.  In addition, Jason provides oversight and guidance related to audits, internal controls, technical accounting, tax and financial management systems.  

At LCS, Jason serves on the insurance captive, Hexagon, board of directors. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. He is a certified public accountant with an active license in the state of Iowa. 

Wendy Rus is the senior vice president/director of corporate planning and community finance for LCS. In this role, she is responsible for leading budgeting and 5-year planning efforts for the LCS Family of Companies. Wendy monitors and analyzes monthly performance results, collaborates with leadership to maximize performance, and delivers senior leadership and board reviews to ensure key issues and opportunities are understood by stakeholders. She also directs the efforts of the corporate financial planning and analysis team supporting the fee-for-service business lines. 

Wendy oversees the organization’s community finance department, directing all finance functions that drive accounting and finance activities at the community level. In addition, she supports operations, along with asset and performance management to build community performance. Wendy holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Graceland University. 

Dan Kosmicki provides risk mitigation efforts related to safety and loss control for the LCS Family of Companies. In his role, Dan develops policies and procedures that lessen the impact of natural disasters and other emergencies on senior living residents and the communities where they live. Utilizing his experience in risk management, financial reporting and organization management, Dan provides education and training to support loss control and emergency response efforts within the organization. He leads the LCS Advantage insurance program and provides insight into marketplace coverages resulting in coverage solutions for difficult exposure risks and resolution to potential high profile incidents.  

At LCS, Dan chairs the Enterprise Risk Management committee. Outside the organization, he serves on industry-led working groups focused on risk mitigation efforts and is a member of the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul and the Autism Society. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University Nebraska-Lincoln and he is a certified property casualty underwriter, certified financial examiner and chartered life underwriter.

In her role as corporate counsel and director of legal and compliance, Bridgette Uhlemann ensures the legal rights of LCS are protected by providing legal advice and recommendations to all levels of the organization. She oversees legal affairs, including corporate governance, contract law, public policy, and corporate and regulatory compliance for LCS. Bridgette directs the overall delivery of legal and compliance services to the organization, including in-house attorneys, compliance analysts and outside legal counsel. She collaborates with leadership and ensures key legal issues and opportunities are understood by stakeholders to mitigate risk and protect company assets.

At LCS, Bridgette is a member of the LCS Foundation Board of Directors, and she chaired the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee in 2019. Outside the organization, she serves as secretary for the Mid-Iowa Association of Local Governments. Bridgette graduated from Drake University with a B.A. in English and Law, Politics and Society. She earned her J.D. from Drake University Law School.

Leaning on his expertise in business development, investments, underwriting and structuring, Joe Weisenburger leads business development initiatives to grow top-line revenue for the LCS Family of Companies. With more than two decades of experience, Joe is keenly knowledgeable about senior living investments and identifying strategic opportunities for organizations to meet the changing needs of current and future residents. In his role as vice president of business development, Joe focuses on expanding management and development opportunities by helping senior living communities better understand how the diverse services of LCS can help them thrive and grow.  

Joe is a member of Argentum and sits on the ASHA Public Policy Committee. He is also a past member of the NIC Conference Planning Committee. A recipient of the Western Golf Association Evans Scholarship, Joe holds a bachelor's in business administration from Miami University and a masters in investments from The Ohio State University. 

In his role as director of business development, Zane Bennett solves problems, drives results and makes a positive impact in the lives of seniors. Working alongside boards and owners, he utilizes his experience, knowledge and passion to articulate the value the LCS Family of Companies and the LCS Signature Experiences bring to communities managed by Life Care Services. Having managed senior living communities across the country, Zane leans on his expertise to navigate the complexities of senior living management to identify opportunities for thoughtful operation of senior living.

At LCS, Zane has participated on the Leadership Summit Committee, Professional Development Program Selection Committee, and LCS Foundation Public Relations Committee. Outside the organization, he serves on the LeadingAge North Carolina Public Policy Committee and chairs ACCESS of Wilmington, a nonprofit organization serving those living with disabilities. Zane holds a bachelor's in business administration degree in both management and marketing from Florida Atlantic University, and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is an alumnus of the National Emerging Leadership Summit for Health and Aging Services Executives.

As senior vice president/managing director of Life Plan Communities, Allison Pendroy is responsible for overseeing the operations of LCS equity owned and West Coast-based senior living communities managed by Life Care Services. In her role, Allison leads a team of operations and regional marketing and sales professionals, to achieve performance goals for life plan communities. Utilizing her experience in commercial real estate, investments, finance and operations, Allison helps cultivate employee leadership and business abilities to deliver resident satisfaction and business outcomes.

At LCS, Allison currently serves on the LCS Foundation’s Professional Development and LCS Public Policy Committees.  She was a founding member of the LCS Women’s Leadership Connection and served as the 2018 LCS Symposium co-chair. She is also a member of the NIC Future Leaders Council Class of 2018.  Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from The University of Iowa and was able to study abroad at San Andres University, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Brett Logan, senior vice president/managing director of life plan communities, supports 30 life plan retirement communities, collaborates with boards and owners, and represents Life Care Services to industry professionals. Through his leadership, Brett helps community leaders invest in high-value customer experiences that impact revenue generation. By ensuring a SalesFIRST culture is in place, boards and owners have the tools, training and resources to do their jobs of governing, employees have a safe, fun place to work, and LCS is able to exceed client expectations.

At LCS, Brett is a member of the LCS Foundation Board of Directors and serves on the LCS Management Group. Outside of the organization, Brett was appointed by the governor to sit on the North Carolina Continuing Care Advisory Committee. He served as LeadingAge North Carolina vice president and was president of the North Carolina Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging Foundation. Brett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership and supervision from Purdue University. In addition, he has earned his certification in governance as leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Richard has been with Life Care Services, An LCS Company since April 1988. He currently oversees the operation of the Midwest Division, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Richard has been involved in multisite management for 24 years, and has more than 10 years’ experience in acute care hospital settings. He supervises and supports approximately 20 senior living executives throughout the region to ensure the communities are operating successfully. He previously served as executive director of both Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills, located in St. Louis County, Missouri, and has held several other management and director positions within the company. Richard has several educational degrees, including a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri, an MBA, a Master of Arts in health care administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in health care administration – all from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.

As a professional in the senior living industry, GeLynna Shaw brings her expertise in finance, mergers and acquisitions, and operations to her role as senior vice president and managing director of rental communities at Life Care Services. Focusing on service delivery actions including care, dining and life enrichment for more than 40 communities, GeLynna ensures resident safety and well-being is held at the forefront of all operations. Delivering on the LCS Hospitality Promises, GeLynna has implemented operational efficiencies resulting in improved employee engagement by 26% and reduced employee turnover by 8%.

In addition to leading her team, GeLynna is a board member of Hexagon and serves on the LCS Public Policy Committee. She has served on pricing, compliance and risk committees, and brings that knowledge to the LCS Family of Companies. GeLynna holds a bachelor's degree in business with a major in accounting from Tennessee Technological University. She is a certified public accountant.

Leaning on her expertise to foster and maintain meaningful relationships, Jill Sorenson leads the regional team serving a portfolio of 13 Life Plan communities. Following her passion for serving seniors, Jill's responsibilities have grown during her career at LCS. From roles in accounting, information technology, and corporate resource development to receiving her nursing home administrator license, Jill is committed to serving others. Prior to her current position, Jill provided leadership to 22 Life Plan communities where she was successful in delivering on occupancy goals and achieving 4- and 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

To ensure Life Care Services is serving the customer first and foremost, Jill initiated client satisfaction surveys with client boards and owners to build stronger and more strategic relationships. Outside LCS, Jill has served on the San Diego Region for Aging Services of California and the Aging Services of California Board. She is a frequent presenter at national and state industry conferences on topics affecting the senior living industry. Jill holds a bachelor's in business administration from Simpson College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Warren joined Life Care Services, An LCS Company, in 2008, and currently oversees marketing and sales activity for all Life Care Services equity communities, along with responsibility for talent management initiatives in marketing and sales. Prior to his current position, Warren was vice president of sales and marketing for CRSA, and he has held positions with the senior housing group of Genesis Health Ventures and Manor Care Health Services. Warren serves on the board of directors of the Wyndemere in Wheaton, Illinois, and the Baltimore Educational Institute for Teens of Reformed Judaism.

In his role as vice president/senior director of marketing and sales, rental division, Rick Westermann oversees the sales experience for Life Care Services. Utilizing his innovative thinking and analytical skills, Rick leads the community-based salesforce in developing strategies to help seniors make the decision to live a better life at a community managed by Life Care Services. Rick brings his comprehensive knowledge in sales management, marketing and business development to increase occupancy and maximize returns for community owners.

At LCS, Rick serves on the Innovation Council. He is a member of Argentum and served on the Senior Leadership Team at A Place for Mom. Rick holds a bachelor's degrees in business and history from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa.

As vice president of post-acute care services, Blake brings his experience as a licensed administrator, chief operating officer and owner of a national healthcare consulting firm to lead the LCS Health Services Division. Under his leadership, Life Care Services supports the clinical and regulatory compliance for its senior living community health centers. His teams meet the many and varied needs of its residents by developing and offering medical care services that support the continued recovery from illness, chronic disease or disability.

Outside the organization, Blake serves on the American Health Care Association reimbursement committee and the past chair of the managed care committee. In addition, he is past president of the Arizona Health Care Association and has served as chair of the association's public policy committee. Blake is also a member of the Lincoln Healthcare Advisory Board. Previously, Blake served as an appointed member of a U.S. congressional health care panel to advise and consult within the U.S. Congress regarding health care initiatives.

In her role to provide strategic human resources support to the Life Plan and rental portfolios, Donna brings her knowledge, skills and abilities to enhance the LCS culture at the senior living communities served. As vice president/director of human resources, Donna oversees a team of six regional human resources business partners. The team focuses on the strategic direction of human resources operations, employee relations, human resources training and risk mitigation. Donna's leadership along with her team helps to build employee engagement which minimizes turnover, establishes LCS as an employer of choice, and better serves residents at LCS communities. 

At LCS, Donna has been a member of Women’s Leadership where she served as chair, and the United Way committee where she served as co-chair. She has also been a member of the wellness committee. Donna holds a BA in human resources with a minor in business as well as an MBA with an emphasis in human resources from Bellevue University.

Tom Mathisen is the vice president/director – investments for LCS Real Estate. In this role, Tom is responsible for structuring equity joint ventures as well as underwriting the acquisition and development of senior housing communities on behalf of LCS Real Estate. Prior to joining LCS in 2014, Tom spent eight years with Principal Real Estate Investors where he was instrumental in procuring and underwriting ground-up development transactions and acquisitions of existing properties, primarily in the Texas markets. He also held asset management responsibilities within a portfolio that spanned several property types. Prior to Principal, Tom spent nearly two years in public accounting with Ernst & Young, LLP.

Tom is a certified public accountant and earned a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa, and an MBA from The University of Iowa.

As senior vice president/managing director of development for LCS Development, Jason Jorgenson draws on his 25 plus years of diverse development experience in entry fee, rental, repositioning and greenfield development to drive successful senior living development across the United States. In his role, Jason leads all aspects of senior housing development — site selection, planning, capitalization and design construction — to position financially feasible senior living communities that meet client and resident demands and expectations. Jason’s diverse product experience in entry fee, rental, repositioning and greenfield development has been demonstrated in successful senior living communities across the United States. Through the visioning and planning processes, Jason provides clients with access to new ideas and established trends that create rich spaces for seniors to flourish in their retirement.

At LCS, Jason sits on the LCS Foundation Board of Directors and is an observer of the LCS Investment Committee. As a key leader of the LCS Development management team with decades of experience, he is a mentor and offers process guidance to team members. Jason holds the designation of Graduate Master Builder and Certified Green Professional through the National Association of Home Builders. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management from William Penn University, Oskaloosa, Iowa.

With more than 35 years of design experience, Joel Bleeker sets the bar for project design and construction standards at LCS Development. In his role as vice president/director of architecture and construction, Joel directs concept development, facilitates project planning, and oversees design construction of senior living communities across the nation. Joel brings his progressive experience and institutional knowledge to meet client needs. Using his expertise in cost estimating and project management, Joel identifies strategies to maintain expenses and meet project budgets for the boards of directors he serves. Utilizing his professional skills, Joel supports the development of senior living communities that offer engaging environments, deliver enrichment opportunities and support purposeful living goals for residents.

At LCS, Joel serves on the Innovation Council and EverSafe 360 task force. Previously, he was design manager for Life Plan Communities and director of design for all development projects. Joel holds a BA and an MBA from Iowa State University. He is a licensed architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects at the national and state level.

In his role as vice president of project development for LCS Development, Todd Shaw is responsible for leading new development, expansion and repositioning projects. In collaboration with the project team, he manages all aspects of the development process, including planning, financial feasibility, project coordination and construction oversight. Todd works closely with sponsoring boards, architects, interior design firms and construction companies to ensure the established goals are achieved. In addition, he successfully navigates the process to remove barriers and ensure all legal conditions are completed as required. Working with the LCS market research and sales teams, Todd directs the master planning process for Life Plan communities.

Todd is a strategic thinker with a history of successful achievements in the industry. He brings 25 years of experience to meet the needs of his clients. With his focus on market assessment, financial analysis, negotiation and structuring of equity and debt arrangements, along with acquisition and disposition, Todd has extensive experience in all aspects of real estate development. Todd holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

In his role at LCS Development, Nick Herrick is responsible for creating and executing on master plans designed to drive revenue through increased occupancy for senior living communities. As director of development, Nick works closely with market researchers, architects, regulatory officials, sponsoring boards, attorneys, lenders, interior design firms, construction companies and operations management to identify community needs that enrich the resident experience. By leading a team of project managers to oversee every detail in the development process, Nick has successfully collaborated with many senior living community owners to create new and exciting spaces for residents to enjoy.

Under his leadership, LCS Development received the Senior Housing News Architecture and Design Award for best Renovation/Repositioning. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management and a minor in real estate from the University of Northern Iowa. He served on the LCS United Way Committee for three years and is involved in his community’s youth sports programs.

Leading the investments team, Dan Lahey is responsible for directing all new acquisitions, recapitalization efforts and development investments for LCS Real Estate. His progressive experience and in-depth knowledge allows LCS to serve more seniors and provides growth opportunities for the LCS Family of Companies. In his role as senior vice president/managing director – investments, Dan also provides strategic leadership to the debt placement and market research and analytics teams. By partnering with others in the LCS organization and the industry, he identifies and evaluates opportunities that benefit LCS and its investment partners. 

Having joined LCS Real Estate in its early years, Dan's institutional and industry knowledge allows him to be a key collaborator in many partner relationships. Under his leadership, the investments team has executed on transactions valued at more than $2 billion. In addition, LCS Real Estate has been successful in investing more than $100 million of LCS equity capital. Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting and finance from Wartburg College and chairs the LCS Investment Committee.

Capitalizing on the expertise gained in 20+ years of finance-focused roles in a variety of industries, Mike Andreasen serves as senior vice president – asset and performance management for LCS Real Estate. In his role, Mike directs the commitment to maximizing the value of LCS investments. Under his leadership, the team identifies opportunities for communities where LCS has an investment to optimize performance, and drive investment returns. These efforts not only enhance the experience of residents and employees, but also furthers the LCS mission to serve more seniors by increasing LCS Real Estate investment opportunities. In addition, Mike oversees Care Purchasing Services, working closely with the CPS team to bring vendor relationships and product solutions to LCS communities and CPS members.

At LCS, Mike has served as a mentor for the Women’s Leadership Committee, and he served as co-chair of the 2018 LCS Leadership Summit. Outside the organization, Mike is a member of the American Seniors Housing Association Rising Leaders Program and NIC. He holds a BA in political science and an MBA from the Tippie School of Business at The University of Iowa.

Utilizing her experience in mortgage loan/subordinate debt origination, portfolio loan sales and commercial real estate portfolio servicing, Sarah Dorr leads the strategic direction of the debt capitalization needs of the national platform of LCS Real Estate. In her role, she is responsible for the sourcing and management of the $1.5+ billion debt portfolio of LCS Real Estate and serves as the main relationship manager with all debt partners of LCS Real Estate and the LCS Family of Companies. 

Under Sarah's leadership, LCS is able to diversify its equity investment in the ownership of senior living communities through the strategic utilization of leverage, allowing LCS to bring its full suite of services to a greater number of residents across the country. With over15 years of experience in life insurance company commercial mortgage origination and servicing she provides additional knowledge and expertise that positively positions LCS Family of Companies and the communities it owns.

Sarah holds a BA in finance/real estate from the University of Northern Iowa and an MBA from The University of Iowa. She is a member of the LCS Foundation Board of Directors and outside the organization she serves as co-chair for the Community Build Committee of Bergman Academy.

As director of market research and analytics, Dale Engelken leads activities for several operational areas at LCS. Under his direction, the market research and analytics team conducts market assessment studies, satisfaction research, demographic and competitive analysis, survey research, focus groups, pricing studies, mystery shopping and marketing performance analysis for senior living communities managed by Life Care Services. Utilizing his visionary skills, Dale helps senior living communities create market strategies that differentiate themselves, achieve occupancy targets and meet budget goals. 

Dale earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing with an emphasis in market research at the University of Northern Iowa and an MBA with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and research from The University of Iowa. He is a licensed real estate agent in the state of Iowa and gives back to his community by serving on local boards and volunteering at his church.  

Chad Hade, director - debt placement, assists in developing and implementing the overall debt strategy for the $1.5+ billion debt portfolio of LCS Real Estate. In his role, he recommends and leads select financing plans for development, acquisition and recapitalization activity within the portfolio. Capitalizing on his insurance company expertise, bank loan origination experience, and knowledge in commercial real estate lending, Chad delivers on financing and servicing responsibilities for the LCS loan portfolio. Through strategic utilization of financing products, he supports LCS investments in building a diverse portfolio of senior housing assets across the country.

Chad holds an MBA in finance and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Northern Iowa. At LCS, he served as the chair-elect and chair of the United Way Committee and he was an LCS Ambassador.

As director of investments, Dan Swift helps to grow the LCS Real Estate platform through targeted acquisitions and recapitalizations. In collaboration with external partners, he also leads the front end of the Clarendale development platform and has been involved in the introduction and growth of the Clarendale urban brand. In his role, he actively seeks opportunities to expand the number of communities owned and managed by the LCS Family of Companies. Dan utilizes his experience working for an institutional real estate investor to bring new perspectives to expanding the LCS vision.

At LCS, Dan has served on the United Way Campaign as chair and co-chair. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Northern Iowa and serves on the University of Northern Iowa College of Business Young Alumni Advisory Board.

Graham Johnson brings a depth of real estate expertise, ranging from product development to deal origination, to his position as senior investment manager for LCS Real Estate. Leading the evaluation and execution of investment opportunities, including acquisitions and recapitalization efforts, Graham helps the LCS Family of Companies serve more seniors and expand its current footprint. His primary responsibilities include executing LCS Real Estate’s investment objectives through targeted acquisitions throughout the country as well as leading recapitalization efforts of communities with in the LCS portfolio.  

Graham earned his Bachelor of Arts in finance and accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. He is holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. At LCS, Graham is a member of the LCS United Way Committee. 

Elisa Baptiste joined CPS in March 2015 initially as senior director of operations. She has more than 25 years of healthcare experience, including direct patient care and for-profit corporate healthcare supply chain management, with organizations such as Columbia HCA and Triad Hospitals. She also has extensive experience with GPOs, both as a direct employee overseeing contract management and vendor compliance and also as management of GPO relationships as a vendor. Elisa most recently led the operations and P&L management for Aramark Healthcare Technologies. Elisa is a native of Texas and has an MBA from Regis University of Denver, Colorado.

Anthony Greer joined CPS in March 2013 in a business development role and has more than 10 years of customer service management experience. Anthony has bachelor degrees in accounting and business administration from Taylor University and an MBA in human resource management from Indiana Wesleyan University. As the director of client relations, Anthony ensures all CPS clients receive exceptional customer service from their dedicated account management teams.

Andi Putnam joined CPS in 2004 to develop medical and clinical vendor partnerships inclusive to the CPS portfolio. Her previous experience includes 20 years in the long-term care pharmacy/medical environment, focusing on operations, business development, clinical compliance and financial reporting for a national pharmacy provider. Andi enjoys working with CPS member organizations to ensure they receive quality products and services that provide positive outcomes with reduced costs.

Stephanie joined CPS in May of 2018 as Director of Strategic Sourcing. She has more than 10 years of supply chain experience in manufacturing, state and federal government, and for-profit and not-for-profit healthcare entities focusing on continuous process excellence, sourcing and contract management, and federally funded disaster recovery projects. In her role at CPS, Stephanie focuses on optimizing the total cost and value through end-to-end sourcing of products and services to align with CPS clients' missions, values, and priorities. Stephanie holds a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management with an emphasis in Production and Operations Management from Iowa State University.

In his role as director of business development, Bryan Stumberg delivers innovative solutions, drives results and makes a positive impact in the lives of seniors. Working alongside boards and owners, he utilizes his experience, knowledge and passion to articulate the value Care Purchasing Services (CPS) brings to communities. Having over thirty years of senior living experience, Bryan leans on his expertise to navigate the complexities of senior living to identify opportunities for savings, operational efficiencies, and excellence in experience for the seniors.


At CPS, Bryan is a member of the Salesforce Steering Committee. He holds a bachelor's in marketing from the University of Northern Iowa.