Mr. Gilchrist has extensive experience working with non-profit retirement communities, as well as for-profit skilled nursing providers.  Prior to being appointed as CEO at Southminster, Mr. Gilchrist served for seven years as Vice President of Operations at Friendship Senior Options, a non-profit provider of senior services and housing in Illinois. Prior to that Mr. Gilchrist served as President of Springfield Masonic Home, a non-profit CCRC in Springfield, OH and Vice President of Operations for Vrable Health Care Company in Columbus, OH, a for-profit provider of skilled nursing. Prior to that position he served as Vice President of Health Care and Community Based Services at Maple Knoll Communities in Springdale, OH, a non-profit provider of senior services and housing. Mr. Gilchrist is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Ohio and served on the board of LeadingAge Illinois. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration in Applied Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kenda is a Certified Public Accountant having joined Southminster after a successful 10-year career with Deloitte & Touche.  With Deloitte & Touche, she was an Audit Senior Manager focused on health care providers. Kenda  graduated from the University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Science & Business Administration degree and a Master of Accountancy degree.

Lisa enjoys over 20 years’ experience in associate relations, training/development, recruiting, benefits and compensation management.  Prior to joining Southminster, Lisa was in human resource management with Arbor Acres, a continuing care retirement community located in Winston Salem. Earlier experience includes human resource positions with Honda of America, Visa USA, and Sunrise Medical.  A graduate of Longwood College, with a BS in Sociology and Business, Lisa has earned additional certifications in Human Resources Management and Career Architect Training and Development and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). She is also successfully graduated from the Disney school’s course on leadership and management.

Tracy has held this newly created role since February, 2014. Prior to joining the senior leadership team at Southminster, Tracy led business development efforts in North and South Carolina in independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care.  Tracy earned a BA in Communications/Journalism and is a published writer with both local and national publications on a variety of topics. She completed her graduate work in the field of Gerontology and was inducted into the Sigma Phi Omega Honor Society with the Gerontological Society of America. Tracy currently serves on the board of directors for the Shepherd’s Center, Council on Aging, Volunteer Transportation Services and is a certified Dementia specialist through the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.  Tracy’s current efforts include expanding Southminster’s philanthropic mission by building community partnerships that focus on education, cultural arts and healthy community initiatives.

Mary is a seasoned professional in the field of aging services for over 30 years with more than 20 of those years at Southminster. Mary began her career at Southminster as the Director of Nursing with certifications in geriatric nursing and culture change. Mary successfully served as Southminster’s first Chief Operating Office.   As Interim Administrator of Embrace Health and Administrator of Record for Southminster’s Embrace Health, Mary’s responsibilities include all areas of healthcare.

Tess was recently chosen as Southminster’s next Fellow in the LeadingAge NC Leadership Academy, a year-long program designed to develop statewide aging services. The program provides a challenging and engaging learning environment that enhances the leadership capacity of aging services professionals so they are better equipped to serve in the aging field.

As Director of Culinary Services, Brittany is responsible for leading Southminster’s culinary team, bringing new menu offerings, service innovations, and exceptional service delivery in each of the dining venues at Southminster.

A native of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Brittany is a graduate of Lock Haven University with Bachelor of Science degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting. While at Lock Haven, she was an NCAA Division II National Champion Softball Player and served as team captain.

Brittany enjoys over 10 years’ experience in restaurant hospitality and dining services.  Prior to joining Southminster, Brittany was Senior General Manager of Dining Services at Bard College in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley.  Brittany has extensive experience in catering, fast, casual, and fine dining, as well as in dining renovation and design planning. She is both ServSafe and AllerTrain certified, two certifications that focus on food safety and accommodating guests with food allergies.  These along with a “Farm to Table” foundation, Brittany is committed to sustainability programs that support local farmers, growers, and restauranteurs.

In her free time, she volunteers at food banks, enjoys the outdoors with her dog, Champ, and can be found anywhere near the water. As a sports enthusiast, Brittany loves watching sports and is currently working on her golf swing. . . she’s open to suggestions!

Outside of work Susanne and her husband Doug enjoy visiting their children and grandchildren, live music, biking, and hiking with their dog.