Leadership Team:Executive Staff

Executive Staff Members

"Recently a family member of one of our residents told us that before her mom moved to our community, visits home were always consumed with doing the chores her mom couldn't manage," says Michael A. Flynn, Chief Executive Officer. "Now, when she visits, they really have time to talk and enjoy their time together." That kind of testimony inspires Mike as he works to continue Smith Senior Living's sterling reputation for quality care and life-enhancing programs. "When we look at the big picture and plan for our future, we always remember that everything we do is about improving lives of individuals in a meaningful way." A veteran surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehab Facilities (CARF) and (CCAC), he describes his leadership philosophy as open door, open communication. "The executive directors of each Smith Senior Living campus keep me informed about what's going on. If there are critical issues that the Board needs to address, I let them know immediately. I don't wait for committee meetings."

As Chief Financial Officer, Deborah E. Hart oversees an annual operating budget of $26 million. She ensures that resources are wisely deployed while she helps lead the executive team in looking to the future of services and programs for seniors. "I am very impressed with the excellent stewardship of resources that defines Smith Senior Living's heritage," says Hart. "Thanks to the wisdom and prudence of our not-for-profit's leaders since 1924, we are poised for growth. We are proud that Smith can sustain and expand our mission—to enrich the lives of senior adults—by providing sterling service and surroundings for seniors."

Marketing Director Robert A. Boehm oversees Smith Senior Living's strategy and program for attracting residents to its continuing care retirement communities. He is leveraging two decades of healthcare experience to lead sales and marketing efforts for Smith Village and Smith Crossing. Boehm finds tremendous satisfaction in assisting seniors attain peace-of-mind as they make long-term decisions about retirement living. "I trust we can make a difficult decision and process easier and I'm confident we'll exceed their expectations, so they can enjoy a rich and fulfilling life with us. I understand the complexities surrounding life-changing decisions because my parents are currently addressing the same issues."

"Technology is a tool that allows good communication to occur," says Craig Hanenburg, Chief Information Officer, who oversaw the installation of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), a new system that provides the healthcare teams on both campuses seamless and timely access to medical files, allowing them to share helpful information with physicians, therapists, residents and families. With Internet access for every resident and more than 1,000 phone lines keeping everyone connected, Craig derives satisfaction from seeing how technology enhances staff performance and improves the lives of residents.

"I work for the residents," says Karen Jellema, Human Resources Director. "Even if I'm doing paperwork, I know that the end result makes their lives better. That keeps me motivated." Karen not only loves her job, but also treasures the time she spends volunteering with the book club she organized for residents. "We strive to make our benefits programs for employees just right so that our employees do not have to worry about their own retirement, healthcare or even brown bagging their meals. We know that by taking care of our staff members we help stay focused on service to our residents," adds Jellema.

You won't find a better man with more skills than Corporate Facilities Management Director Chris August. Chris' key priority is the safety and security of residents. He assures this by updating the detailed evacuation plans for both campuses and collaborating with the Environmental Services Departments at Smith Crossing and Smith Village. That assures best practices for everything from responding to residents' requests to ordering supplies to preventive maintenance. By instituting enterprise-wide systems and procedures, Chris is ensuring the most effective and efficient use of Smith's resources to the benefit of residents—be it the appearance of our buildings and apartments or the proper functioning of all equipment or the beauty and care of our landscaping.

"Food is important because it brings people together," says Marti Jatis, a registered dietician who serves as General Manager of Dining Services. Chefs in a restaurant are experts in creating 10 to 20 signature dishes, but Marti and her team pride themselves on keeping meals fresh and lively with hundreds of delicious, top-quality entrees in a range of culinary styles. "We encourage residents to share their favorite recipes so we can prepare them for the entire community. This makes dining more fun."

Jim Fitch, Special Projects Manager, supervised the construction of Smith Crossing in Orland Park and the transformation of Smith Village in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. "It is really satisfying to see a project go from lines on paper, to bricks and mortar, lights and plumbing," he explains. "Everything we build and every program we provide starts with putting residents' needs first. Then we find a way to make it work functionally and operationally."

When Erin Manghera, Executive Assistant, came to Smith Senior Living five years ago, she was struck by the special and unique atmosphere that was evident even from the first moments during her job interview. "A sense of caring for people as the primary mission really is part of every day here," she says. "When I see how seriously the employees, executives and board take resident needs, it makes me really proud to work here."