After a 15-year career in retail banking, I made a career change into retirement living. I served as Executive Director for a large life care community in Holland, MI before moving to Florida as VP of Operations for Freedom Group’s eight communities. When that company was acquired by American Retirement Corporation (ARC), I joined ARC as a regional director for 20 communities in the Southeast.

In 2001 I met David Freshwater and joined the Fountains as a Managing Director, moving back to Michigan to oversee communities in Michigan, Illinois, and Florida. Following the sale of Fountains assets to Sunrise, I served as an area manager for Sunrise from 2005 – 2006, and then rejoined David Freshwater in a different role, managing repositioning strategies and renovations projects for new acquisitions. More recently I have transitioned back to Operations as Watermark’s Chief Operating Officer.

I work with our Managing Directors and Watermark Resources in a variety of ways to help our teams bring the Watermark vision to life, creating environments and programs that empower our residents and associates to thrive. This is easier said than done, but the Watermark community teams and Resource associates work diligently each day to make this a reality. I very much enjoy and appreciate the supportive, energizing and challenging work environment that David Barnes and David Freshwater have created.

Away from work I enjoy sports and run/walk for exercise (more walking as I get older). My wife Gail and I enjoy kayaking, and we serve in various ways through our local church. Most of all we enjoy spending time with our grandchildren, who are an absolute delight!