January 22, 2024 —Kendal at Oberlin, a nonprofit life plan community in Oberlin, Ohio, has announced that Seth Vilensky will join the community as Chief Executive Officer on January 29, 2024. He was selected following a nationwide search, led by the organization’s Board of Directors.
Seth has most recently served as Vice President, Strategic Market Operations and Category Management for Medically Home, a growing start-up company offering high-acuity care at home across eighteen states. Prior to that, he was the President and CEO of the Montefiore Home. When Montefiore merged with Menorah Park in 2020, he served as the Vice President of Business Development and Community Health for the combined organization. As CEO for Montefiore, Seth had a key role in growing the organization and planning the merger, creating a partnership designed to grow and diversify the communities. Earlier leadership experience includes guiding the Cleveland Clinic’s rehabilitation and post-acute care operations.
Seth looks forward to joining the Kendal community. He notes, “I am honored to be chosen as the second CEO in Kendal at Oberlin’s long history. I am thrilled to join the great team, board, and vibrant community at Kendal at Oberlin. The values of Kendal, particularly the sense of community, inclusiveness, and service align perfectly with my experiences and passion for healthy and independent aging.”
Seth is Kendal at Oberlin’s 2nd CEO in 30-year History
The search for Kendal at Oberlin’s new chief executive officer began when long-time CEO, Barbara Thomas announced her plans for retirement after 32 years of leading the organization. This transition comes at a time when the community, board and staff leaders are well-established and prepared to navigate this important change in leadership.
Joan Villareal, Chair of the Kendal at Oberlin Board of Directors, says, “From his many experiences, Seth brings a vision of where the senior living and care management market is headed. Seth’s approach will be to consider what the next generation of seniors wants. He demonstrates a strong business sense and possesses the right skills to work with all of our Kendal at Oberlin stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming Seth and working with him as we continue to move Kendal at Oberlin into the future.”
Amy Harrison, Chief Financial Officer for The Kendal Corporation, and a member of the CEO Transition team says, “With a wealth of experience in senior living, enhanced by broad business experience and education, we are thrilled to welcome Seth Vilensky as the new CEO for Kendal at Oberlin. His strategic leadership, commitment to smart, sustainable growth, passion for mission and dedication to community align seamlessly with our values. As we bid farewell to Barbara Thomas after 31+ years of exceptional leadership, we are looking forward to the continued success of Kendal at Oberlin with Seth’s leadership.”
About Kendal at Oberlin
Kendal at Oberlin is a vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and caring nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in northeast Ohio. Located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40-minute drive from downtown Cleveland, the community offers a resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art, and lifelong learning. Kendal at Oberlin is an affiliate of the Kendal System, offering values-driven services in the Quaker tradition.
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