Leadership Teams

As 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 during his long tenured career with LCS. Today, he is responsible for the oversight of serving nearly 40,000+ seniors and 27,000 employees.  

Joel serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of LCS Holding Company, LLC, is a member of the compensation committee and is a trustee of the Company’s 401(k) benefits program. Outside LCS, Joel serves on various industry and community boards. Within the industry, Joel is the current chairman of the Argentum Board of Directors, and a member of the National Investment Center operator advisory board and an executive member of the American Senior Housing Association. Joel is active in the Des Moines community and serves as a trustee for ChildServe. As a past board member, he remains active with the Alzheimer's Association and the Central Iowa United Way Board of Directors. 

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 Directors of LCS Holding Company, LLC and its related audit committee, compensation committee, retirement fiduciary committee, investment committee, and enterprise risk management committee. Outside the organization, she is a member of Argentum. In addition, Diane sits on the Casey’s General Stores board and audit committee. She is also a member of the board and chair of the 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 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 Board of Directors of LCS Holding Company, LLC. 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. 

In his role as executive vice president/chief investment officer, Dan Lahey oversees the LCS real estate strategy including acquisitions, capital markets, asset management and development capital. By partnering with others in the LCS organization and the industry, he identifies and evaluates opportunities that benefit LCS and its investment partners, which allows LCS to serve more seniors. Dan serves as a member of the LCS Audit Committee and is chair of the LCS Investment Committee.

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 LCS Real Estate team has executed on transactions valued at more than $2.6 billion in the past five years. 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 worked in public accounting prior to joining LCS in 2008.

As a professional in the senior living industry, GeLynna Shaw brings her expertise in finance, mergers and acquisitions, and operations to her role as Executive Vice President of Operations at Life Care Services.

Her 25-year career in senior living includes experience in finance, mergers, acquisitions, and operations for both Continuing Care Retirement Communities and rental communities. GeLynna joined LCS in 2018 and has been instrumental in improving the performance of existing communities, successfully opening new communities, and onboarding new acquisitions. Her passion for those she serves and record of improving performance through operational efficiencies has been essential to the success of the LCS Family of Companies.

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.

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. At LCS, Wendy serves on the Enterprise Risk Management committee and is co-chair for the 2023 LCS Leadership Summit. Outside of the company, she serves on the United Way Women United Investment Committee and the Argentum CFO Roundtable. 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. 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 his role as senior vice president/chief marketing officer, Rick Westermann drives competitive positioning and improved brand experiences across the LCS Family of Companies. Using his knowledge and experience in community marketing and sales, he leads a team focused on growing the LCS brand through new technology, content, and transformative experiences. Rick’s leadership helped his team exceed all-time inquiry and sales records, launched the company’s SalesFIRST standards, introduced critical new marketing and sales technologies, and has played a role in key community development strategies across the company. 
  
Rick joined LCS in 2018 as the vice president/senior director of marketing and sales for the rental division for Life Care Services. He has served in leadership roles with the LCS Innovation Council and the EverSafe 360° Task Force. He is a member of Argentum and a graduate of their inaugural LEAD program. Prior to LCS, Rick served on the Senior Leadership Team at A Place for Mom as the Vice President of Partner Services and with Leisure Care as their National Sales & Marketing Manager. Rick holds a bachelor's degree in both business and history from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. 

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 the board chair for the Alzheimer's Association, Iowa Chapter and the 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.

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 serves on the LCS Foundation Board and has participated on the Leadership Summit and Professional Development Program Selection Committees. 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. He is also a founding member of the American Senior Housing Association's (ASHA) "40 for the Future" where he helps support, advocate and build a shared vision for the industry through ASHA's Seniors Housing PAC. 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.

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.

Greg has been with Life Care Services, An LCS Company, for more than 24 years. He serves on the Life Care Services leadership team and oversees multi-state operations for the company, helping client communities achieve performance and strategic goals. Greg has served in a variety of roles including Health Center Administrator, Executive Director, Director of Operations Management and VP/Director of Operations Management. He has deep experience supporting communities in the Life Plan, Rental and Equity Divisions, and his exceptional service has resulted in high satisfaction among residents, staff, and clients. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Earlham College.

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.

As vice president/director of strategic programs, Blake brings his experience as a former CEO, COO officer and owner of a national healthcare consulting firm he founded and joined LCS to lead the Health Services Division and now is the lead of LCS Strategic Programs. Under his leadership, Life Care Services, An LCS Company, provides the LCS Signature Experiences in senior living communities and is continually looking for ways to innovate. 

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.

Dawn joined an LCS managed community in 2008 and Life Care Services, an LCS Company, in 2013. Dawn oversees a team of seven regional senior living sales and marketing business partners. Her role is critical in providing strategic direction for the organization, community marketing and setting sales strategies for 35 third-party managed communities in collaboration with LCS leaders. Dawn’s knowledge and passion for senior living has elevated her role at LCS, helped her communities achieve their goals, increased reputation scores, and supported the growth of the teams she supports. She currently serves on the EverSafe 360® Taskforce where she is chair of the EverSafe 360® Engage and Strategic Media Communications committees. She has also been actively engaged with INNOVATE@LCS as Communications Chair. With more than two decades of senior living experience, her previous roles have included Social Services Director, Admissions Director, Marketing and Sales Counselor, Marketing and Sales Coordinator, Director of Marketing, Regional Marketing and Sales Manager, and Regional Marketing and Sales Director. Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Akron.  

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 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.

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 is a member of the LCS Investment committee, and has served as a mentor for the Women’s Leadership Committee. Mike also 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 and the broader LCS organization. In her role, she is responsible for the oversight of all debt sourcing, servicing, and relationship management for LCS and the $2.0+ billion debt portfolio of LCS Real Estate, and in select situations to support the capital needs of the third-party clients of LCS Development and Life Care Services. Sarah serves as the main relationship manager with all debt partners of LCS Real Estate and the LCS Family of Companies. She is also responsible for leading financing plans for crucial acquisition, development and refinance activity within the LCS Real Estate portfolio.

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 nearly 25 years of experience in institutional real estate debt, including institutional 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, she currently serves as the chair of the LCS Foundation’s Governance Committee. Previously, she has served as the Chair of the LCS National Team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and as co-chair of the Community Build Committee of Bergman Academy. Sarah holds a CCIM designation and is a member of CREW Iowa.

Graham Johnson brings a depth of real estate expertise, ranging from product development to deal origination, to his position as Vice President/Director - Investments for LCS Real Estate. In his role, Graham is responsible for leading the execution of LCS Real Estate's investment objectives through targeted investment opportunities including development, acquisition and recapitalization efforts, In this capacity, his team serves as a key point of contact for market intermediaries and external consultants. In addition to sourcing opportunities, Graham works closely with key capital relationships on transaction and partnership structure.

Graham earned his Bachelor of Arts in finance and accounting from the University of Northern Iowa. In addition, he has been a CFA Charterholder since 2019. 

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 is the current board chair for the LCS Foundation, and has also served several years leading the Foundation's emergency relief committee. 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.

David joined Care Purchasing Systems (CPS) in 2023 as the Director of Business Development. His role leads the strategic efforts to increase CPS membership while identifying opportunities to deliver on client’s desired outcomes. David’s rich experience in executive leadership, operations management, strategy, and business development help CPS purchasing power and solutions grow. Working alongside senior living community operators, he utilizes his industry experience to bring the value of CPS to every senior living community we serve.  

Prior to joining CPS, David was a senior vice president at HealthPRO Heritage. He is also a licensed physical therapist and has been certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists to serve as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist.