Executive Search for a Vice President

CASE STUDY
Executive Search for Vice President for California's First Licensed Retirement Home and CCRC
SCENARIO
LM Hurley & Associates conducted a retained executive search for a Vice President of Operations for California's most historic not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community. Organizational and succession planning by the Board of Trustees has prompted an executive search for a new Vice President due to the former Vice President's promotion to President/CEO.

Hollenbeck Palms is a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community located on a beautiful 8.5-acre park-like campus with 145 residential apartments, a brand new 33-bed memory care center, and a 59-bed SNF. This CCRC is the first licensed retirement home in California. In 1890, the founder, Elizabeth Hollenbeck, filed a deed of trust to establish a comfortable and secure lifetime haven for California's older adults.
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The CEO, who has been there 35 years, was VP until 2019, when he succeeded William Heideman, who followed the leadership of his father, William A. Heideman, and his grandfather Clarence W. Hensel, who served tenures of 46 and 31 years, respectively. William Heideman lived on the grounds until he was five and continues to serve in an advisory capacity.
SOLUTION
When Hollenbeck Palms engaged our services, we were at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and held meetings via videoconference and phone to comply with CDC protocols. After extensive consultation with the President/CEO and the Board's search committee leader, we developed an executive search strategy.
The goal was to identify an Executive Director or CEO who had led, or was actively leading, a community with similar care levels, number of apartments, and a budget of $18mm. Matching the Board's vision for the new CEO also called for:
  • Master's or Bachelor's of Arts/Science in Public Health Administration, Business Administration
  • Ten years of Senior Living experience and five years at an executive level, where they have demonstrated the management and administrative capability
  • California Licensure in Long Term Care or Assisted Living
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RESULTS
Of the 172 prospects we contacted and screened, we interviewed 24, plus one internal candidate. After evaluation, we narrowed the field to the three top candidates we presented to the organization.

Our client selected all three individuals to interview and ultimately chose a candidate who exceeded the executive search specifications and made a strong cultural connection to the Board with their warm, engaging personality and a strong sense of social justice.

An offer was extended and accepted within 180 days of engagement. The new VP joined the organization with more than 15 years of experience in senior living, health, and human services management. The candidate holds a Master's degree in Science in Health Policy Analysis/Management, has experience at two CCRCs, and has worked with and presented to boards.

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