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.

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.

Donna joined the Southminster team in 2001. She works with residents, family members, Board members, senior managers, and employees to provide assistance to the Executive Director in areas related to community management. Donna has worked in the field of senior healthcare and senior living since 1990. She has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Chatham College in Pittsburgh.

Yvonne Washburn is Southminster’s Embrace Health Administrator, responsible for Southminster’s higher levels of care including assisted living and skilled nursing. Yvonne is a licensed nursing home administrator with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Lenoir Ryne University and an MBA from Gardner Webb University. Yvonne’s formative years were in Charlotte before attending and graduating from Salem Academy. When not at Southminster, Yvonne enjoys spending time at the lake fishing and boating. She loves the mountains, horses, dogs and cats, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.