July Comments from the Council President

This month we say good-bye to our long-time Executive Director, Clara Parker, and hello to our new Executive Director, Chandra Kumar. Over the last year, we have seen many changes in the administration of Charlestown. We have welcomed a new Finance director, Gladstone James, and a new General Services director, Jason Spivey. We have also seen old friends take on new roles including Karen Leighton as Resident Services director, and Don Grove as Associate Executive Director. With all of these changes we are fortunate that we have been able to tap into the deep well of talent within the Erickson Senior Living organization. Residents sometimes express annoyance at “corporate” and there are certainly times that we would prefer to do things the “Charlestown way” rather than the “Erickson Senior Living way.” Nevertheless, the ability to recruit experienced and proven leaders from other communities within the organization means that we can look forward to a smooth transition.
For many of us, Clara has been Executive Director since we moved in. She has guided the community through some very difficult times, and we will miss her. As the president of the Residents’ Council, I have had the opportunity of collaborating with her closely and I value her openness and caring. We wish her joy in her new adventures.

Pat Rudolph
Residents’ Council President