A Leader Who Knows That Serving Is Leading
“I’ve worked with a lot of communities over the years, but the welcome I’ve received here has been something special,” Joe said. “The residents and staff genuinely care about each other. That kind of positivity is contagious.”
Joe brings more than 30 years of experience in senior living, healthcare, and non-profit leadership. His path to this field wasn’t linear, but every step was purposeful. From early jobs at Marshall Field’s and a stint with the San Antonio Spurs in ticket sales to leadership roles in hospital foundations and senior care systems, Joe has seen how meaningful relationships and strong values can drive real impact.
Early in his career, he shifted from sports management to fundraising and community outreach, eventually discovering a calling in senior care leadership. He’s held CEO and executive roles across Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, and New Hampshire, building new communities, expanding programs for older adults, and leading teams through growth and change.
But he’s not someone who chases titles. For Joe, it’s all about people.
“The best leaders in this field are servant leaders,” he explained. “They’re the ones who stop to pick something up off the floor, who listen first, and who work to make every person feel valued.”
A native of Westchester, Illinois, and a proud graduate of Elmhurst University, Joe also holds a master’s degree from Ohio University. He and his wife will celebrate 25 years of marriage this July, and he’s excited to be back in the Chicagoland area. Their two daughters and two grandsons live in the Illinois suburbs, while their son and daughter-in-law reside in Minnesota with the newest addition to the family—a baby boy.
Family matters deeply to Joe, but so does faith. When asked what drives him, he doesn’t hesitate: “My work is grounded in my faith. I don’t use it to push beliefs on others. I use it to guide how I treat people; with compassion, love, and honesty. That’s what I hope people see in me.”
Joe’s journey through senior living has taken him to many communities, often ones going through transition or growth. His steady, thoughtful leadership and ability to bring teams together have helped him build sustainable, thriving environments for both residents and staff.
Here at Park Place, Joe hopes to build on the strong foundation already in place.
“There’s a joy in this community that’s easy to feel. My goal is to listen, support, and keep that energy strong. We may not be able to do everything everyone wants, but we’ll always explain the ‘why’ and do our best to serve with heart.”
On his second day, Joe attended a welcome event hosted by residents. A resident stood up to thank the staff, and the room erupted in applause. Joe said that moment captured everything he needed to know: “This is a place where people appreciate each other. That’s rare. That’s special. And I’m honored to be here.”
