Judy Amiano joined Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corporation (FSCSC) in late October 2010 as President/CEO of FSCSC and Affiliates, and serves as President/CEO of Franciscan Ministries. She has over 38 years of experience in the medical and senior services industry and more than 30 years at the executive business management level.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Valparaiso University and an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University. Judy is an Illinois registered professional nurse, an Illinois licensed nursing home administrator and a regular speaker on post-acute care topics at national conferences.

Prior to joining FSCSC, Judy served as Vice President of Senior Services for Riverside Health System, a non-profit health system. In this role, she oversaw not only senior living, but all post-acute service lines and was responsible for the integration of care across the continuum.

Walt Armentrout is the CEO and Co-Founder of HeartLegacy. Over the last decade, he has helped hundreds of healthcare organizations implement, maintain, and leverage enterprise level software applications to improve operations and increase business revenues.

Through the mission of HeartLegacy, Walt is dedicated to helping the Senior Living Industry thrive through modern technology and focused on growing communities to better the lives of seniors. The company is pioneering a variety of technology-based amenities to improve the lives of Seniors. With a unique background of computing technology and healthcare, Walt has successfully brought to market four software applications that allow senior care communities to successfully generate leads, convert leads into residents, and turn residents into referrals.

He maintains degrees in Biological Sciences and Computing Technology and Applications from the University of Alabama as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Alabama.

As Founder and Principal of Banko Design, Melissa is passionate about creating beautiful, functional and sustainable interiors. Melissa oversees day-to-day operations of two offices – one in Georgia and one in Florida – and brings a wealth of experience in interior design, business development and operations practice to the team.

Banko Design is a full-service interior design & procurement firm specializing in multi -family, senior living, healthcare and boutique hospitality design projects.

Prior to starting Banko Design, Melissa served as a team member for the interiors studio at Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio and tvsdesign. Melissa is a graduate of The Art Institute of Atlanta where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design.

Obsessions: her family, long-distance running, craft beer and the Banko Design Studio.

As Vice President, Amy oversees the operation and management of 13 senior living communities; in Nebraska, Iowa and Arizona. “Living Better” is the focus, culture and mission of Heritage Communities as the company serves and supports over 1300 residents and 800 associates.

With Bachelor Degrees in Gerontology and Business Administration, Amy has spent 25 years serving seniors. Her management career started in senior living operations, transitioned to sales, marketing, and public relations, and then returned to operational leadership and regional support.

Amy was recruited to join Heritage Communities in 2013, with the role of creating new initiatives for residents in all service lines. During that time, she developed and implemented several resident centered programs for the company including the trademarked Portraits Montessori Memory Support Program. Partnering with the Nebraska Alzheimer’s Association she also researched and facilitated the state’s first Early Stage Support Group for both caregivers and people living with dementia.

With the launch of their Home Health Agency, OnCare and two more communities in construction, Amy is committed to growing a thriving company focused on delivering a pledge to help others live better.

Larry Birnbaum continues to be passionate about the future of converged networks and providing technology solutions to enhance guests’ and communal experiences.

Throughout his career, Larry has been in the forefront of new technology. He was engaged with development and deployment of first generation PMS software, interfaces and adoption of PC technology to replace proprietary servers. Later, he was an early proponent of Wi-Fi and delivering first, second and third generation Wi-Fi services and converged triple play services for voice, video and data.

Larry has an established track record of long-term productive customer relationships based on education to assist in the decision making process and service first. Today, he leads the Global Multi-Tenant and Hospitality Business Units for Ruckus Networks focused on leading edge, secure, managed, wireless technology to solve the many new challenges faced by owners and operators.

Larry is a native of Atlanta, where he continues to live with his wife Lynne and two children. When not traveling with his family, you can usually find him on a golf course or tennis court.

As COO, Camille Burke is responsible for the operation, direction and growth of Cappella Living Solutions and Christian Living Communities (CLC). She also helps clients plan, design and manage their senior housing and healthcare services. In addition to providing management consultation to existing communities, Camille assists clients in project development. She advises on space programming and product mix; coordinates all members of the project development team to ensure that the process runs efficiently; creates the management structure; implements policies and procedures; handles executive recruitment; and achieves desired outcomes.

Camille has been in the senior living industry since 1999 and has a background in hospitality. She began her career with Christian Living Communities in 2004 as director of sales and marketing for the proposed Holly Creek Retirement Community. Camille also opened and operated Holly Creek as its first executive director and routinely exceeded all benchmarks in the Holly Creek bond covenants. She served as vice president and chief operating officer of CLC between 2007 and 2014, where she led CLC in attaining five-star ratings at all three communities and maintained stabilized occupancy during the recession of 2008.

In 2010, Camille completed the LeadingAge Leadership Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Larry Carlson is President & CEO of United Methodist Communities, which owns and operates nine senior communities and a homecare agency throughout the state of New Jersey providing service to 1,400 residents, by over 1,000 associates. He has over 40 years of leadership experience in multiple aspects of eldercare including CCRC, long-term skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, congregate housing, adult day health, and assisted living.

Larry earned a Master of Business Administration Degree from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. For many years, he served as Board Chair of Symbria, formerly Health Resources Alliance, an equity membership and service organization benefiting the long-term care industry through collective initiatives. Currently, he serves as director and treasurer of the United Methodist Association.

Lisa is the Founder, President and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, an award winning, global commercial design, project management and procurement company with a mission to "Improve Quality of Life by Design." Lisa has the ability to take the complex and make it simple, as well as repeatable.

Combining her business savvy with her wide-ranging creativity has brought Lisa into the publishing world. Her newest book, Hive: The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living—How Our Family Makes It Work is Lisa’s personal account of how her family has designed a home in which four generations live together and lead productive, happy and healthy lives, even as the eldest member of the family struggles with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. She just launched www.BestLivingTech.com in which she curates the best products to Embrace Living as we age. Think Sharper Image meets AARP!

Lisa is also the author of THE FUTURE IS HERE…Senior Living Reimagined. This spring she will release BOOM The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that You Can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive. Pre-release is #1 on Amazon Kindle in four countries!

Lisa is regarded as the leading Alzheimer's and long-term care design expert in the nation and has been recognized for her contributions in the field. Though appreciative of the recognition for her work, Lisa is most gratified by helping people who are struggling with Alzheimer’s find ways to cope as individuals, as families, and as communities.

Lisa is the Founder, President and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, an award winning, global commercial design, project management and procurement company with a mission to "Improve Quality of Life by Design." Lisa has the ability to take the complex and make it simple, as well as repeatable.

Combining her business savvy with her wide-ranging creativity has brought Lisa into the publishing world. Her newest book, Hive: The Simple Guide to Multigenerational Living—How Our Family Makes It Work is Lisa’s personal account of how her family has designed a home in which four generations live together and lead productive, happy and healthy lives, even as the eldest member of the family struggles with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. She just launched www.BestLivingTech.com in which she curates the best products to Embrace Living as we age. Think Sharper Image meets AARP!

Lisa is also the author of THE FUTURE IS HERE…Senior Living Reimagined. This spring she will release BOOM The Baby Boomers Guide to Leveraging Technology, so that You Can Preserve Your Independent Lifestyle & Thrive. Pre-release is #1 on Amazon Kindle in four countries!

Lisa is regarded as the leading Alzheimer's and long-term care design expert in the nation and has been recognized for her contributions in the field. Though appreciative of the recognition for her work, Lisa is most gratified by helping people who are struggling with Alzheimer’s find ways to cope as individuals, as families, and as communities.

James Hoevertsz is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in hospitality and senior living. His background includes managing multi-level senior living communities, large hotels and resorts, including Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton, Brookdale Senior Living and Pacific Retirement Services.

James was the founder and administrator of the North County Culinary Academy in San Marcos, California, where he spent 12 years leading the Culinary and Hospitality Management programs. He has developed and implemented hospitality and culinary training guides to assist with staff development and has extensive knowledge of leadership techniques to help train and motivate teams of any discipline. He was a competitor on Chopped in 2013 and is the recipient of numerous prestigious culinary awards.

James holds a Business Management Degree from San Diego State University and a Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He also holds a Vocational Education Teaching Credential and is an RCFE certified administrator. James is a national speaker, presenter and facilitator at many educational conferences, promoting leadership and high standards of service.

Lynne Katzmann is Founder & CEO of Juniper Communities, which invests in, develops and manages senior living and long term care communities. With 22 properties in four states and more than 1600 employees, Juniper had over $70 million in revenues in 2016.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2018, Juniper is ranked #14 by Crain’s New York on its Top 50 ranking of woman-owned companies for the New York tri-state area. It is the only woman-founded, owned and led business among the top 40 national assisted living companies. Lynne launched the business when she was 32, with six years’ experience in the health care industry and a PhD in economics.

Juniper has been known as a thought leader and innovator within the senior housing industry since its inception. Lynne’s current focus is on promoting senior living as a population health solution for that segment of the senior population defined as high care and high needs. These are the small portion of Medicare recipients who are most in need of coordinated care and service. Her brain-child, Juniper’s Connect4Life program, shows real promise in promoting well-being for this cohort.

Lynne has been involved in the health care industry for nearly 35 years, working in the public and private sectors in the U.S. and Europe, and serving on several for-profit and non-profit boards. An active leader in the social entrepreneurship movement at its beginning, she’s a firm believer in the so-called double bottom line: doing well by doing good.

As co-founder of Solvere Living and Solutions Advisors, Kristin has grown these management, consulting, and advertising companies over the past nine years to employ over 50 people and serve approximately 35 senior living communities across the country.

With more than two decades of experience in senior living, beginning as a nursing home administrator, Kristin is among the new generation of leaders focused on innovation and strategy as a platform to move the industry in a new direction. Her expertise in revenue generation and marketing is eclipsed only by her energy and passion for providing individuals and communities alike with straightforward, goal-oriented expertise to help them reach their full potential.

In 2013, Kristin steered the small consulting company towards management opportunities as a strategy for long-term growth. Starting with a handful of managed communities, Solvere Living now manages 14 communities in 8 states, with three more under development. At the same time, under her leadership Solutions Advisors has proven to be one of the most successful consulting firms specializing in turnarounds and repositionings of challenged senior living communities, as well as with start-ups, as attested to by investors and financial institutions.

Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emory University and has a Nursing Home Administrator License in Georgia (currently inactive).

Doug Leidig serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of Asbury Communities, Inc., continuing more than 25 years of experience dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of older adults. During more than 18 years with Asbury, he has remained firmly committed to the organization’s Mission while working to encourage accountability, data-driven decisions, and innovation.

During Doug’s career, he has overseen the operations of several senior living communities and implemented numerous advancements in care and wellness for residents within those communities. He previously served as the Chair of LeadingAge Maryland and as a Director on the Kairos Health System Board. He is currently on the advisory board for Senior Living 100.

Doug is a licensed nursing home administrator in Maryland and Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor’s degree in long-term care administration from York College and a master’s degree in business administration from Mount St. Mary’s University.

Kevin Merrill is a seasoned sales professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the telecommunications & wireless industry. Kevin’s career began at AT&T where he worked within the Specialty Marketing Division, a division specifically created to retain and grow some of AT&Ts largest clients. From there, his career path transitioned into one of great responsibility and leadership, when he became a founding partner at three different companies – Capital Communications, United States Digital Network and Invianet, Inc. While at Capital Communications, Kevin grew the business to become one of AT&T’s largest contract vendors, with monthly revenues exceeding $2MM. In 2011, Invianet, Inc. became Inviacom, Inc., with Kevin leading the Sales & Marketing division.

Inviacom has grown into a fully managed Wi-Fi, VoIP and technology training provider with focus on the Senior Living Market, in addition to serving other multi-dwelling units, educational and recreational facilities. Throughout his career, Kevin has consistently proven himself to be a highly-skilled leader and an instrument of long-lasting, positive change. While at Inviacom, he has developed strategic relationships with vendors, carriers, developers and management firms that have allowed Inviacom to further its solutions and footprint throughout the United States.

Sara has been serving older adults and those who support them for over 40 years. She is known as a passionate pioneer of changing the perception and experience of aging, starting with her first job when she was 16 years old.

Sara joined Brookdale in 2003, where her role is to support the residents and families so they can have the experience they desire and life they want. Her approach is to first understand their desires and expectations, and then leverage the 6 dimensions of wellness—what Brookdale calls Optimum Life®—to provide opportunities that support their dreams and desires. Enriching the lives of those they serve is not just Brookdale’s mission; it’s how the organization keeps its residents and families engaged. Sara oversees Dining, Environmental Services, BEST(Brookdale Excellence Standards), Resident Engagement, Customer Experience, and Alzheimers and Dementia Care.

Sara earned a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Sara serves on the board of the Customer Experience Professionals Association(global non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of customer experience management practices) and is certified in Customer Experience by Medallia®. Sara is a board member of Wish of a Lifetime, dedicated to granting life-long wishes for those in their 80’s-100’s. Sara has a strong commitment to supporting the next generation of SL professionals and serves as a mentor and visiting instructor at Cornell.

Marc’s calling to senior living began in 1991 during a volunteer experience that instilled a passion for ensuring excellence in serving seniors. Working with some of the nation’s leading health care companies provided valuable experience in startup, turnaround, sales, and operations management. As VP of Sales and Marketing, Marc identified opportunities for improved performance and launched reorganization strategies resulting in explosive census growth during times of industry-wide occupancy decline.

As a first time COO, then CEO of a regional operating company, Marc focused efforts on cultivating Servant Leaders. Inspiring trust, his teams enjoyed dramatic improvements in Net Operating Income, achieved record occupancy levels, and won numerous national awards for excellence. He was honored to receive the Servant Leadership Award recognizing his contributions in driving culture change across the company.

Marc brings to Watercrest Senior Living Group more than 20 years of accomplishment in acute care, long-term residential, and outpatient settings. Leading a team of well-established industry experts in design, development, and operations of senior living communities, Watercrest’s new community pipeline is approaching $500 million and 30 communities throughout the southeast. When asked what he believes is the key to success, Marc is quick to say, “Our people.” Adding… "Our collective values will determine the extent to which our collective vision is realized.”

Jack York is co-founder of It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L), a company dedicated to helping older adults realize the full benefits of adaptive technology. Originally, Jack did not envision iN2L as a business; the impetus for what became the company was a philanthropic idea—to donate computers to assisted living communities and nursing homes in Southern California. With a 15-year background in the Silicon Valley, he saw a vast potential in fostering these connections, but also saw that conventional technology was too difficult for virtually all residents to use in a meaningful way. As a result, in 1999, Jack retired as Vice President of Strategic Sales for Vishay Intertechnology and started what has become a successful gerontechnology company. He is a sought after national and international speaker on technology being used as a means to create personalized experiences that engage and connect residents to their loved ones and the world at large, specifically individuals with dementia. As of 2015, the company has a customer base of over 2,700 communities spread out across all 50 states and Canada. iN2L’s work has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and dozens of senior living publications.