Jim Collins, chosen by Forbes in 2017 as one of the 100 Greatest Living Business Minds said, “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.” Here at Covenant Village, we are driven by what we believe to be great vision for our community. To fulfill our vision, we know we need great people.

As businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs have experienced around the globe, staffing shortages are and have been a major problem. We have seen difficult times ourselves over the past couple years, as more and more workers leave the Aging Services Industry. However, we are pleased to share that Covenant Village has seen a recent influx in new hires, rehires, internal moves, and promotions that has brought renewed energy to our Village.

Many may have heard the announcement in a recent article written on Enhanced Living that Lisa Shirley will be transitioning from the Activities Department to work as the Enhanced Living Concierge on Founders Hall. Lisa and her supervisor, Donna Kennedy, share excitement about this new service that will be offered at Covenant Village. The two ladies, along with a few others, were able to visit sister communities who offer Enhanced Living including Sharon Towers in Charlotte and Still Hopes in Columbia. These visits gave insight into how Enhanced Living concierge services function. Donna said, “I’m excited to help resident’s stay independent as long as possible and for them to THRIVE, not just survive!”

In Food & Nutrition, Tara Walters was promoted from Cook to Health Center Dining Room Supervisor. Courtney Betts was promoted from Diet Aid to Independent Living Dining Room Supervisor. The Director of Food & Nutrition, Julia Kotecki, said these ladies are very hardworking, have positive attitudes, great work ethic, and interact well with residents and employees.

Nursing has witnessed a stampede of new hires and rehires which we are very excited about. New hires include Sherry Weaver, 1^st Shift Supervisor and Erica Smith, MDS Coordinator. Rehires include Regine Galleto, Treatment Nurse; Jenny Stansell, Resident Nurse; and Tammy Reynolds in a newly created position of full-time Nurse Scheduler. Promotions were earned by Becky Penley, who is now the 3^rd Shift Supervisor, and Stephanie Wellman who has accepted the permanent role as Director of Nursing (DON).

Stephanie has served as Interim DON for the past two months and has done a phenomenal job. She previously served as our Nurse Educator and Infection Control Nurse. At a recent meeting of the Residents’ Association, Jenn Barker, Senior Director of HR, said:

“Stephanie has shown great commitment, creativity, initiative, and passion as Interim DON. She champions the Covenant Village mission, vision, and CV CARE Core Values through her leadership qualities, work ethic, and ideas. She always puts [first] what is in the best interests of residents, staff, and Covenant Village.”

Kim Kling, Senior Director of Finance, has created a new role for her department as the Business Office continues to metamorphosize with the wonderful technologies that are being introduced at CV. Kim has hired a Junior Accountant, Zachary Plaxco, who will assist her with the Finance Department’s responsibilities, which includes the new software that is being used across campus known as Matrix Care. Kim said, “I feel like Zach is going to be a positive influence…the residents will really enjoy him.” In the meantime, Karen Jones will continue assisting residents in the Business Office while also working as a part-time receptionist, assisting Kristi Marvin, CV’s Front Office Manager.

Robbie Pendleton, Director of Security, saw it fit to recently promote Jonathan Bolch to “Assistant Director of Security.” Jonathan has been working for Covenant Village for one (1) year and has quickly proven himself to be a diligent and skilled worker. Robbie said, “It did not take him [Jonathan] long to learn the campus or how we do things. He has a great attitude and is an excellent officer.” Jonathan looks forward to “continuing to ensure that [CV] is a safe and secure community.”

Jenn Barker, Senior Director of Human Resources, recently received the following National HR Certifications: PHR and SHRM-SCP. Katie Proffit, who has worked alongside Jenn for the past two years, has been named “HR Specialist.” Jenn shared the following about Katie:

“Katie has put 120% effort in everything that has crossed her desk. She came out of the gate running and has not stopped. Katie has initiated her professional development by finding trainings, workshops, and classes to build her HR knowledge and skill sets. She received her HR Assistant certificate and is working toward her certification as an HR Professional. Since Katie has completely taken over the onboarding responsibilities and has enhanced the experience for applicants and new hires, it is only fitting and deserving that she be named the HR Specialist- specializing in onboarding. Congratulations to a hardworking, dedicated, and very kind person! I am so happy and proud to work alongside Katie.”

Amber Flowe recently earned her Activities Director Certification. Amber noted that NC does not require this certification, but she wanted to take the course to make sure CV continues to meet regulations. Amber explained that this course is a 2-year program, where year one focuses on requirements in long term care, and year two concentrates on management, leadership, and administration. Sherry Cheney who is training Amber in her own role as Activities Director said of Amber’s future, “We are getting her all ready!” Sherry also noted it’s good to do cross training to ensure they are always in a position to have everything covered.

In addition to this, Sherry and Amber are excited to have a new member join their Activities Team as Vivian Carroll, a former CV Housekeeper, has been promoted to Garden Wing Activities Coordinator. Amber said of Vivian, “She is really perfect for this [role]. She has the perfect personality.” Vivian will be taking the place of Lee Pettipaw who has retired from CV.

With all these staff moves, additions, and promotions, we continue to look forward to what is on the horizon. We love finding great people (many of which are already with us, as seen in the numerous promotions) and partnering with them to carry out the vision we have for this community. We want to thank our hardworking and devoted staff and give a well-deserved “congratulations!”