Meet the New Executive Director of Park Place of St. John: A Passion for People and Purpose

When the opportunity came to join Park Place of St. John, it felt like a full-circle moment for our new Executive Director, Nathan (Nate) Wolf. Having passed the community every day on his commute, he often joked with his family, "The only way I’d leave my current building is if Park Place called." And when the call finally came, he knew it was time.

With over two decades of experience in senior living, Nate Wolf brings not only an impressive resume but also a deep passion for serving others. He began his journey in the field as a college student working part-time as a social services assistant. Initially considering a career in clinical psychology, he quickly realized his heart belonged in senior care. Over the years, Nate progressed from social services director to assistant administrator, then executive director, and eventually held a VP-level role overseeing operations across six states.

"I’ve worn a lot of hats in this industry," Nate said. "But I’ve always believed that leadership means being hands-on. You have to walk the walk. I want to be on the floor supporting the team."

That mindset is clear in his leadership style. He emphasizes transparency, accountability, and creating a culture of mutual respect. "We’re all caregivers, regardless of our title. If you’re walking past a call light or a piece of trash on the floor, it’s your responsibility. It’s about pride in what we do."

His commitment to team culture and staff development is a top priority. "I’m assessing who’s in the right seat on the bus," Nate said. "That means making sure every manager understands their goals, feels supported, and has a clear vision for the future."

Beyond leadership, he’s also focused on outcomes. His goals for the next several months include stabilizing census, eliminating departmental cost overruns, and helping families and the broader community understand the full scope of Park Place’s services, including our new Memory Care offering and the transition to private pay.

But above all, he’s excited about the potential.

"This building has always had a stellar reputation. I want to maintain that legacy while also modernizing our approach. We sit on a campus with room to grow, and that growth starts with investing in our people."

Outside of work, you’ll find him outdoors or working on home projects. He’s a dedicated dad, a White Sox fan (even in tough seasons), and a self-taught carpenter and arcade game restorer. "I built a movie theater, a gym, and a full arcade in my basement over 12 years," Nate said, smiling. "Now my daughter helps me with the woodworking, and she’s better than I at trim."

His message to staff and families is simple: his door is always open.

"I want this to be a safe space—judgment-free and solution-oriented. Whether it’s a question, a complaint, or just a chat, come talk to me. We’re in this together."

Please join us in welcoming Nate Wolf, our new Executive Director, to Park Place of St. John!