10/25/2016

Epsicopal Retirement Services Announces Laura Lamb as New CEO

EPISCOPAL RETIREMENT SERVICES ANNOUNCES LAURA LAMB AS NEW CEO

 After an extensive national search, ERS promoted from within their own ranks

Cincinnati, Ohio, October 24, 2016 - Episcopal Retirement Services announced today that their Executive Vice President (EVP), Laura Lamb, will succeed Doug Spitler as the organization’s new President & CEO.  Lamb, 47, has been with the company for 22 years and prior to her appointment last year as EVP she held the position of vice president of housing and healthcare. 

ERS Board Chair, Robin Smith, made the announcement yesterday at a special meeting of the ERS Leadership Team.  “Laura has been a key player in the success of ERS over the past several years,” Smith said, “Among other important responsibilities, she heads up the Strategic Planning Committee and the Master Planning Committee.  In addition to her work ethic, demonstrated record of success, and deep knowledge of our company and our industry, she is the embodiment of our person-centered culture every day, and this was a critical factor in our decision.”

The ERS Board of Directors has been working diligently since May of 2015 to identify and appoint ERS’ next CEO to succeed Doug Spitler who will be retiring at the end of this year after 34 years with ERS.  Executive search firm, Witt Kieffer, was hired to conduct a national search for the best possible candidate and they reported to a specially formed committee made up of board members and Director of Organizational Development and Human Resources, Joan Wetzel.  “After a rigorous screening and interview process which included ERS residents and staff members from all levels of the organization, it became clear that Laura was the most qualified candidate to lead ERS to continued growth and success in the future.” Smith said. 

Current CEO Doug Spitler added, “I am thrilled about Laura’s appointment.  For over 2 decades she has been an integral part of the planning and execution of our strategic goals.  She is both hands-on and high energy. No one knows this organization better and she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues both locally and nationally.”

Lamb commented, “I am both excited and honored to be chosen by our Board to lead this incredible organization, especially during a time of unprecedented change and growth in our industry.  We have an amazing team at ERS consisting of our residents, employees, board of directors and business partners, and with their help I am looking forward to creating our bright future together.”

About Episcopal Retirement Services

Since 1951, Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS) has worked to improve the lives of older adults from all faiths through innovative, quality living environments and in-home and community-based services delivered by experienced and compassionate professionals. ERS owns or manages 30 senior living communities serving over 2,000 residents:  three premier communities, Deupree House and Marjorie P. Lee, both in Hyde Park and Episcopal Church Home in Louisville, KY; and 27 affordable living communities for limited-income seniors including properties in development.

ERS also operates in-home and community-based services for elders. Through Living Well Senior Solutions, they provide comprehensive, objective solutions for families and seniors who are struggling with the challenges of aging life care™; through Deupree Meals on Wheels they deliver 77,000 nutritious meals annually; and through Parish Health Ministry they counsel and give support to 70 churches to renew their role in healthcare through advocacy, education and wellness programs. As part of their mission, ERS commits millions of dollars to resident philanthropic services. In large part, these funds support the needs of residents who have outlived their financial resources.

For more information, visit www.episcopalretirement.com or call 513.271.9610.