Meet Chris
Executive Director
The executive director, along with our friendly and professional staff, strives to create positive, stimulating ways for residents to continue living life with meaning and purpose. We are a friendly family where we treat residents like real people with real life stories.
Our community is a great story that includes heartwarming chapters and incredibly unique characters all in a wonderful setting. Here is the executive director’s story:
In what ways do your residents inspire you?
Each resident has something to offer and each inspires me in a different way. I am fortunate to work with so many of the “greatest generation.” I learn each day from them. Perhaps my biggest inspirations are the really amazing residents who always have a smile, a kind word and a pleasant way about them. They make my day.
How do you honor your residents at your community?
We try to host a wide variety of events to honor our residents. One of most popular events is our monthly private “surf and turf party” for our residents having a birthday in that period. Additionally, we try to honor our residents each day with service that exceeds their expectations.
Tell us about a resident with a remarkable life story?
There are many great stories. I could start with Ken, who is currently 100 years old and still enjoys dancing and exercising! He is a World War II veteran who gladly recounts his battle experiences in vivid detail from his war years. He is an amazing man who almost always wears a smile and has a kind word for everyone.
Tell us about a resident whose life changed for the better once they moved to your community.
Mrs. K’s husband passed away a few months prior to her becoming a resident at Emerald Bay Manor. She was lonely, sad and bored since her husband’s passing. She missed their card games, drives in the country and dinner conversation, among other things. Shortly after becoming a resident at Emerald Bay Manor, she soon began enjoying her former activities again! She now plays cards regularly, enjoys trips with our motor coach and dines with her friends every day. She wishes she had come to Emerald Bay Manor sooner.
How long have you worked in the retirement industry?
I have worked in the retirement industry since 1996. I have worked in administration for the past six years, and prior to that I worked as an occupation therapy practitioner in long-term care settings.
What do you like best about your job?
I enjoy many aspects of my job. I love the variety and diversity of being responsible for the entire building. Whether I am doing budget work, helping resolve a staff issue, or participating in an event, I enjoy each challenge. However, the absolute best reward in my job is the one-to-one interactions with the residents of my community. It is great to hear the fascinating stories of each resident. I have learned so much from them.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, working out and practicing Judo. But my favorite activity is spending time doing just about anything with my wonderful wife.
If you could meet one person, past, or present, who would it be and why?
Well, that is a tough question. It would definitely not be a celebrity or someone famous. I think if I could meet someone from the past, I would choose to meet with one of several grandparents who died when I was young. That would be pretty amazing.
What’s your favorite movie and why?
I have several movies I really love. “Life is Beautiful” is one of my favorites. It takes a person through the gamut of human emotions.
What is your favorite dish or dessert and why?
I love food. I can’t really choose a favorite because that changes upon my mood. But I particularly love blueberry pancakes and bacon. I love going to breakfast on the weekends with my wife!
In what ways do your employees inspire you?
I am inspired by my employees every day by their commitment and dedication to pleasing our residents. Every department has individuals who go above and beyond in their efforts to make Emerald Bay Manor the destination of choice for retirement living.
How do you create a family-like atmosphere at your community?
We attempt to create a fun and rewarding environment at Emerald Bay Manor. Employees are recognized for their efforts. Additionally, employees are given the authority to make decisions and solve problems at all levels. I believe that our employees feel a sense of ownership in the community because they are really able to make a difference with their individual efforts.
Tell us about an employee who embodies one of our core values?
Again, this is difficult to answer isolating just one employee because there are many employees that do a fantastic job. However, if I had to pick one employee to highlight, it might be my director of wellness, Lisa. She is the epitome of a team player. She will roll up her sleeves and pitch in with almost any task. It is great to see her in action.
At Emerald Bay Manor, we understand that deciding where to live is a big decision that deserves careful thought. We invite you to visit us, stop by for lunch or be a guest at one of our special events or classes. We look forward to meeting you.