Brio Living Services Names Two New Executive Directors to Lead Flagship Communities

Brio Living Services recently announced the promotion of two of its team members to executive positions at its flagship communities, following the retirement this month of Cheryl VanBemden, Executive Director of Brio’s Porter Hills Village and Green House® Homes in Grand Rapids. VanBemden has served in leadership roles at Porter Hills, now Brio Living Services, for more than twenty years.

Kathy Russell, who has served Brio’s Chelsea-area communities since 2018, most recently as Executive Director of Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), The Pines, and The Cedars of Dexter, will take on the role of Executive Director at Porter Hills Village and the Green House Homes, effective December 1.

“I have a genuine passion for serving older adults and ensuring their lives are filled with purpose, dignity, and joy,” said Russell. “I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the residents and team members of Porter Hills Village and the Green House Homes.”

Jennifer Shores has served Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) for six years, as Director of Nursing and, most recently, as Nursing Home Administrator for CRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. She has been promoted to the position of Executive Director for CRC, The Pines, and The Cedars of Dexter vacated by Russell.

Shores, who has worked in the field of aging services for the past two decades, said, “I found my passion through combining nursing and administration to be able to oversee and ensure that we encompass all aspects of resident life with a holistic approach. I am really looking forward to continuing to grow with an amazing organization and being able to touch and support the entire community within CRC, The Cedars of Dexter, and The Pines.”

Nicole Maag, Brio’s Chief of Residential Services, said, “At Brio, we are dedicated to growing and preparing leaders for advancement. Jennifer’s continued dedication to excellence and growth in leadership has positioned her well for this next step. She will be a wonderful addition to the residential leadership team.”

Russell, who helped oversee the construction and renovations at CRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, completed in 2021, “brings her expertise to Porter Hills Village, currently undergoing its own major transformation to better serve older adults in West Michigan,” Maag said. “We are excited to have Kathy move to Porter Hills Village and the Green House Homes. Her many years of experience and her deep dedication to the mission of Brio Living Services will serve these communities well.”

Maag shared her gratitude for VanBemden as well: “Cheryl has been a cornerstone of both Porter Hills Village and the Green House Homes for many years. She led the charge in resident-directed care by opening the Green House Homes as its administrator and then went on to accomplish countless other initiatives which have directly benefited the older adults we serve. Her dedication to residents, team members, and families will leave a lasting legacy, one which we are incredibly grateful for.”

Learn more about Brio Living Services at MyBrio.org.

This blog is sponsored by The Architectural Group, Inc., a Live Life with Brio Silver Sponsor! We are grateful for your dedication to the older adults we serve and our team members.