Complete Story
 

01/24/2018

Judson Services, Inc. President and CEO Cynthia Dunn to Retire June 1, 2018

Judson Chief Collaborative Health Officer Kendra J. Urdzik Tapped to Lead the Organization

 Judson Services, Inc. President and CEO Cynthia Dunn to Retire June 1, 2018

Judson Chief Collaborative Health Officer Kendra J. Urdzik
Tapped to Lead the Organization

CLEVELAND, OH (January 23, 2018) -- Long-time Judson Services, Inc. President and CEO Cynthia H. Dunn announced her plans to retire effective June 1, 2018.  Dunn has been with Judson for four decades, serving in various positions. She was named president and CEO of Judson, a Cleveland-based not-for-profit organization, in 1992. 

Founded in 1906, Judson Services, Inc. has blossomed under Dunn’s leadership to offer four retirement living options for seniors in Northeast Ohio: Judson Park and Judson Manor in Cleveland’s University Circle; South Franklin Circle in Chagrin Falls; and Judson at Home, a membership program that supports individuals who wish to remain in their own home, but want access to Judson’s campuses, programs and services. 

Recent Judson milestones under Dunn’s leadership: 

“Cyndy is a dynamic leader who has led Judson through a period of tremendous growth and expansion,” says Catherine S. Koppelman, chair of the Judson Services, Inc. Board of Directors. “She has worked tirelessly on behalf of Judson so that it will deliver the best possible care, services and programming for its residents. She leaves the organization on solid footing for the future.” 

Dunn confirmed her timeline for retirement at a joint meeting of the Judson Services Board and its four subsidiary boards, Monday, January 22.  She had been working with the Judson Services Executive Committee on leadership development and succession planning over the last several years. 

“I wanted to support a smooth transition of leadership by undergoing this significant change during a time of strength and success for Judson,” says Dunn. 

On Monday, the committee elected Judson’s Chief Collaborative Health Officer (CCHO) and Vice President of Health Services Kendra J. Urdzik, as Dunn’s successor. 

“We are most fortunate to have someone who is uniquely qualified and equipped to assume the CEO role already on the Judson team,” says Koppelman. “Kendra is committed to Judson’s mission of ‘Bringing Community to Life.’  She brings an understanding and appreciation of who we are, as well as creative ideas and perspectives as to where we are going.” 

Urdzik joined Judson in 2000 as an administrator-in-training, eventually serving in various roles in human resources, vice president of Judson Home Care and as director of health services. She was named vice president of health services and CCHO in 2015, a new position that sets strategic quality goals, measurable outcomes and innovative approaches to care. Urdzik is a licensed nursing home administrator, earned her MBA in health care from Baldwin-Wallace University and recently graduated from the Leadership Academy of LeadingAge, a national organization that advocates for seniors. 

“We are making huge changes to the care model, shifting away from a medical model to a person-centered model,” says Dunn. “As CCHO, Kendra’s been charged with creating innovative methods of delivering services in the best way that serves individuals.  I have faith she is the best person to helm this important work on behalf Judson, its residents and members moving forward.” 

### 

Judson is a not-for-profit organization in Northern Ohio that brings community to life. Established in 1906, Judson provides independent living, assisted living, memory support services, long-term nursing care, short-term rehabilitation and home care. Judson operates three complementary campuses:  Judson Park and Judson Manor, known collectively as Judson at University Circle, and South Franklin Circle in Chagrin Falls. In addition, the Judson at Home membership program brings Judson’s services and programs to individuals who wish to remain in their own homes. More information at www.judsonsmartliving.org.

Printer-Friendly Version