This is an empty menu. Please make sure your menu has items.
This is an empty menu. Please make sure your menu has items.
Menu Close
Contact Us
Schedule a Visit
Join Us

A Taste of What Is Next: Heron’s Key Expansion Wednesday September 24th

Save Your Spot

Leadership Team

Guided by strong & dedicated leadership

Emerald Communities appreciates the expertise, guidance and dedication of our board of directors and executive leadership team. These talented professionals bring a full range of experience, including financial planning, real estate, not-for-profit organizations, senior housing, health care, accounting, marketing and development.

Leadership Team

Ron Schaefer

Chief Executive Officer

Jo Hollis

Chief Human Resources
and Compliance Officer

Denisa Feddersen

Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer

Michelle Wood

VP Operations

Sandra Cook

VP of Marketing
& Public Relations

Brad Beck

Corporate Technology Officer

Matthew Lecours

Corporate Director of Food and Beverage

Corey Weisner

Corporate Controller

Board of Directors

Dwight S. Whiting

Chair

Jill Guernsey

Vice Chair

Daphne Schneider

Secretary

David Hudson

Treasurer

Debbie Hamilton

Director

Oscar Roberto

Director

Jeffrey F. Jones

Director

Judy Richardson

Director

Stephanie Marshall

Director

DeWayne McMullin

Director

Uche Okezie

Director

Tom Evert

Director

Have questions or would you like to learn more?

Schedule a visit or talk with a member of our team.

Contact Us
Ron Schaefer
Chief Executive Officer

Ronald (Ron) Schaefer is President & CEO of Emerald Communities, bringing more than 30 years of leadership in nonprofit senior living and Life Plan communities. Before joining Emerald, he served as Chief Operating Officer at EverTrue Living (formerly Lutheran Senior Services) in St. Louis, helping lead a multi-state portfolio of Life Plan and affordable senior housing communities and playing a key role in strategic growth, operational excellence, and successful organizational integration.

Ron has also held executive leadership roles with Front Porch and Covia in California, and previously served as President & CEO of Casa Dorinda in Montecito—experience that reflects a deep commitment to mission, culture, and resident-centered innovation.

Education

  • Master of Health Administration (Business Management), Chapman University

  • B.A., Chemistry/Mathematics, Vanguard University

Affiliations

  • Former Instructor, USC School of Gerontology (Master’s Program)

  • Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International

  • Board/Committee involvement including LeadingAge Illinois/Iowa (board member)

Return to all profiles
Jo Hollis
Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer

Jo Hollis joined Emerald Communities in January 2020 as the Chief Human Resources & Compliance Officer. 

In her role, she manages and integrates a full range of human resources programs, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, training, leadership and organizational development, safety, labor law compliance, risk management, compensation and benefits programs. 

She brings over 25 years of human resources experience, primarily in the senior living industry.   She spent several years in the Emerald Heights human resources department before being the Director of Human Resources at Timber Ridge at Talus.  She was promoted to Regional Human Resources Director, overseeing the human resources function for 22 life plan communities nationwide for Life Care Services.  Before a career change to human resources, Jo was a Marriage, Family and Child Therapist. 

Education/Affiliation

  • Master of Science degree from California State University, Fullerton
  • Bachelor of Arts degree from Pacific Christian College, Fullerton
  • Professional Human Resources Certification earned from Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM)
  • Professional Human Resources Certification earned from HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
  • Certification in Professional Aging Services Risk Management (CPASRM)
  • Speaker at state and national conferences
Return to all profiles
Denisa Feddersen
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Denisa Feddersen joined Emerald Communities as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in January, 2024.  In this role, she manages the strategic and operational aspects of finance, accounting and information technology, working with leadership and other stakeholders to ensure that the organization meets it business goals.

Ms. Feddersen brings more than a decade of experience in not-for-profit senior housing, with expertise in financial reporting, financial modeling, audit and tax preparation, budget preparation, accounting and team leadership.

Ms. Feddersen first joined Emerald Communities in 2023 as Corporate Controller.  Previously, she served for nearly a decade as Corporate Controller for a large multi-site senior living provider based in California.

Ms. Feddersen earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, and an MBA, with honors, from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California.  She obtained an MIT Executive Certificate in Management & Leadership, and is also a licensed CPA.

Return to all profiles
Michelle Wood
VP Operations

Michelle Wood serves as Vice President of Operations for Emerald Communities, providing strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s two Life Plan Communities. She oversees daily operations, food and beverage services, and information technology, working closely with community leaders to support exceptional resident experiences and long-term sustainability.

With more than 20 years of experience in operations, finance, and systems leadership, Michelle previously served as Emerald Communities’ Corporate Controller and held senior financial roles with organizations including Expedia and WPP agencies.

Education

  • MBA, Seattle University

  • B.A. in Business Administration (Accounting), Seattle University

Return to all profiles
Sandra Cook
VP of Marketing & Public Relations

Sandra Cook is Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations for Emerald Communities. She leads marketing, communications, branding, and public relations in support of strategic growth and community engagement.

Sandra joined Emerald Communities in July 2024 after 16 years with Aegis Living, most recently as Vice President of New Development Sales, where she opened 15 communities and supported 21 additional locations. Prior to senior living, she spent 15 years in luxury hospitality sales, including the opening of resort properties in Los Cabos. Sandra brings nearly 30 years of sales and marketing experience across the U.S. and Mexico and lives in Redmond, Washington, with her husband, Mike, and their daughters, Amanda and Mia.

Education & Affiliations

  • B.S. in Hospitality Management, Universidad de Occidente, Mexico

  • CHIEF Member

  • LeadingAge Member

 
 
Return to all profiles
Brad Beck
Corporate Technology Officer

Bio coming soon!

Return to all profiles
Matthew LeCours
Corporate Director of Food and Beverage

Matthew Lecours began his culinary career in high-volume, open-kitchen restaurants throughout the Puget Sound region. During this time, he earned his associate’s degree in culinary arts from South Seattle Community College and later transitioned to roles at Sheraton hotels.

He then advanced into sports and entertainment catering, serving as Executive Sous Chef for the Seattle Mariners. In this capacity, Matthew contributed to numerous high-profile events, including the World Series, the Vancouver Olympics, the Whistler Cornucopia, and the Washington State Inaugural Ball to name a few.

Matthew subsequently managed corporate dining operations for major companies such as Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard and several Convention Centers throughout Washington State. He eventually joined Emerald Communities, where he has served in leadership positions—including as Executive Chef at Emerald Heights and now as Director of Food and Beverage and Corporate Chef across the organization.  He describes Emerald Heights as “a hidden gem” and takes great pride in the strong relationships he has built with residents and team members alike.

Working alongside exceptional teams, he and his colleagues have set high standards and achieved remarkable results in both communities. Matthew continues to bring passion, innovation, and dedication to elevating the dining experience for residents every day.

Return to all profiles
Corey Weisner
Corporate Controller

Bio coming soon!

Return to all profiles
Dwight S. Whiting
Chair

Dwight Whiting recently retired as a Financial Advisor and Partner at Auxano Advisors, LLC, a private wealth management firm in Bellevue, Washington.

He offered his clients comprehensive financial, tax, estate, retirement and lifecycle planning. His specialties included high net worth planning, business succession planning, estate planning, multigenerational family wealth education, retirement income planning, portfolio management and philanthropic planning.

Prior to joining Auxano Advisors in 2014, Mr. Whiting was a wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley and a financial advisor at UBS Financial Services. Earlier in his career, he managed the development and marketing of advanced technology alternative fuel systems at IMPCO Technologies, Inc. and worked as Director of Marketing at Dynalco Controls, a unit of Crane Co.

Mr. Whiting earned bachelor’s degrees in management science and systems science from the University of California, San Diego, followed by a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University.

Mr. Whiting and his wife, Mary, have three children and live in Belfair, Washington.

Return to all profiles
Jill Guernsey
Vice Chair

Jill Guernsey brings to the board deep expertise on regional politics, land-use planning, and law.

Ms. Guernsey served as mayor of the City of Gig Harbor — the home of Heron’s Key — from 2014 to 2017. Earlier she served on the City Council and was a long-time member of the city’s Planning Commission. She was an early supporter of the development of Heron’s Key and remains a strong advocate for the community.

Professionally, Ms. Guernsey’s three-decade career in law included serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Civil Division. She held that position for more than 25 years, before her retirement in 2016. Earlier in her career, she served as Legal Counsel to the Pierce County Executive and as Chief Civil Deputy in the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.

She was a member of the Washington State Bar Association for 37 years and was President of the Environmental and Land Use Section. She also served on the National Board of Trustees of American Inns of Court and was president of the Tacoma Chapter of the American Inns of Court. Her extensive community service includes serving on the boards of Peninsula School District, Gig Harbor Waterfront Alliance and Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board. She is an active member of Rotary Club of Gig Harbor and serves on the board of Cars4Change.

Ms. Guernsey earned her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Irvine, and her law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

Return to all profiles
Daphne Schneider
Secretary

Daphne R. Schneider is Principal and Owner of Daphne R. Schneider and Associates, a Seattle-based consulting firm providing assistance with difficult people and systems issues in the workplace. Services include investigation of allegations of harassment, discrimination and employee misconduct, executive/ leadership/employee coaching, team development, mediation, human resources consulting, facilitation of meetings and retreats, and related training. She has conducted hundreds of workplace investigations, consulted with many public, private and not- for-profit clients, and presented at numerous professional conferences.

Ms. Schneider also has more than 40 years of organizational leadership experience, having held senior human resources, business, and support services management positions, as well as not-for-profit board leadership positions.

Ms. Schneider has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in organization development from Central Washington University. She is a trained mediator and is also a licensed private investigator. Professional and community affiliations include having served as adjunct faculty for Seattle Pacific University and Western Washington University and is a past President of the Western Region of the International Personnel Management Association. Her non-profit board member and officer experience includes the Center for Human Services, the Eastside Heritage Center, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Washington Care Services/Southeast Care Center Facilities. Ms. Schneider is also actively involved with the promotion of equitable development in Seattle’s Othello neighborhood.

Return to all profiles
David Hudson
Treasurer

David Hudson has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. He recently retired from his role as Executive Vice President, Retail Markets, of Central Pacific Bank. Mr. Hudson oversaw the bank’s entire branch network throughout the State of Hawaii, the Customer Contact Center, Consumer Lending, and Retail Product Management, including ATMs and Electronic Banking.

Mr. Hudson started his banking career in international, corporate, and commercial real estate lending with Crocker National Bank and First Nationwide Bank. More recently, his career has focused on retail and branch banking.

Prior to joining Central Pacific Bank in 2009, he spent six years as Senior Vice President of the consumer and business banking division of Hawaii-based American Savings Bank. In addition, Mr. Hudson served at Honfed Bank and Bank of America in Hawaii and California in various positions from process design executive to consumer region executive.

Mr. Hudson currently serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii and Luana Kai. He has previously served on the boards of Kapiolani Health Foundation, Kahi-Mohala, Positive Coaching Alliance, and Epiphany School.

Return to all profiles
Debbie Hamilton
Director

Debbie Hamilton recently retired from a 35 year career at Bank of America (formerly Seafirst) and in the last 10 years served as SVP and Sr. Credit Officer on their Healthcare, Education and Not-For-Profit (HENFP) Team.  In that role, she was the Senior Credit Officer responsible for financing all Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s) headquartered in the US West Coast region.  In addition to CCRC’s, she financed non-for-profit (NFP) hospitals and physician groups, private universities and K-12 schools, healthcare insurance companies, and other NFP organizations providing taxable loans and tax-exempt bond financings.  Other prior experience with BofA included underwriting residential developer real estate acquisition and construction loans, VP and Manager of Finance in Corporate Finance, Client Support Services Manager in Investment Mgmt and Trust, and Commercial Bank Project Manager.  Debbie joined the Commercial Bank as an Underwriter in 1999, initially supporting for-profit commercial banking clients.  In her role as Underwriter, she was chosen to serve on the core national team of BofA for the design of their first online credit underwriting system for the Commercial Bank.  In addition to ongoing volunteer activities, she also served as a student mentor and avid supporter of the Bank’s former Youth Job Program.  

 

Debbie has a combined BA degree in Business Administration and French, completing a 5-year program in four years at Western Washington State University.  Experience with NFP’s includes 10 years on the Board of Directors of Operational Emergency Center, a former south Seattle food bank and emergency services center. 

Debbie has continued to volunteer through the BofA organization in support of non-profit entities in the Seattle region since her retirement. 

Return to all profiles
Oscar Roberto
Director

Oscar E. Roberto was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Buenos Aires before completing his master’s and Ph.D. in chemistry at New York University.

He spent 24 years with Henkel Corporation, a global chemical company, where he held leadership roles in research, international business development, and marketing within the automotive sector. His career included a two-year international assignment in Düsseldorf, Germany, as Marketing Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and he retired in 2012 as International Business Manager.

Following retirement, Dr. Roberto remained deeply committed to community leadership and nonprofit service. He served as chair of the board of El Refugio Family Resource Center in North Carolina, supporting immigrant families through education, legal and medical clinics, and community-wide initiatives. His broader civic involvement has included service on the Lee County Planning Commission, the North Carolina Licensing Board of Landscape Architects, the Lee County Community Foundation, homeowners associations, and church finance leadership roles.

In 2021, Oscar and his wife, Tamara Davidson, moved to Heron’s Key in Gig Harbor, Washington, to be closer to family. Since joining the community, he has continued his service-oriented leadership as a member of the Residents’ Council and as treasurer of the Harbor Hill Resident Owners Association.

Return to all profiles
Jeffrey F. Jones
Director

Emerald Heights resident Jeffrey Jones retired in 2017 from a law career that spanned more than four decades. During that time, he rose from associate to managing partner of his Boston-based law firm of approximately 160 lawyers, negotiated the merger of that firm with an even larger one, and then served as part-time, in-house counsel for his alma mater, Williams College, for 10 years.

Mr. Jones’ practice centered primarily on commercial litigation, with clients ranging from public utilities, insurers, biotechnology companies, and a national telecommunications company to nonprofit entities, including educational institutions and social welfare organizations. He developed an appreciation for the differences in purpose, culture and motivation that distinguish nonprofit organizations from for-profit businesses and looks forward to expanding his experience with nonprofits through service on the board.

His extensive volunteer board experience includes chairing three nonprofit boards and leading a variety of board committees and special projects. He served as director and board chair for both the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and the West Suburban YMCA in Newton, Massachusetts. He also served as a trustee for Radcliffe College, ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts, uAspire and Willow Hill School.

Mr. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree with honors from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, he earned his law degree, also with honors, from Harvard Law School.

Mr. Jones and his wife Susan relocated from Boston to Emerald Heights in August 2018, in order to be close to their daughter and her family who live in the area. Prior to joining the Board, he served in leadership roles at Emerald Heights, serving on both the By-Laws Committee and Residents’ Council Advisory Group.

Return to all profiles
Judy Richardson
Director

Judy Richardson retired in 2014 after working more than four decades in the fields of education and public finance, including providing financial advisory services to school districts and assistance with bond underwriting. In addition to her expertise in school finance, Ms. Richardson has experience in state government, having worked several years for the Arizona State Senate and the Arizona Department of Education.  There she created a new state agency called the State Board for School Capital Facilities, which later became the School Facilities Board. She is continuing to be involved in school finance by serving as an expert witness in an Arizona lawsuit about the constitutionality of the school capital finance system.

As a resident of Emerald Heights, she has served on several committees of the Residents’ Association, including the Audit Committee, the Fund Development Committee, and the Council Advisory Group, which she chaired in 2019.

Ms. Richardson earned both her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s degree in education from Stanford University in Stanford, California. Later she earned her doctorate in higher education from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Ms. Richardson has been a resident of Emerald Heights since January 2016, but her connection to the community dates back to its founding in 1992, when her parents John and Isabel McEwen became “pioneer” residents. Ms. Richardson’s two sisters are also Emerald Heights residents!

Return to all profiles
Stephanie Marshall
Director

Stephanie Marshall, RN, MSN, FAAN was the Director for Community Partnerships and tenured faculty for the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from 2006 until she retired in 2016. She was responsible for developing and managing strategic educational and practice efforts with external constituents including health care systems, long-term care organizations, government entities and community health settings. She led the successful building of a $10 million Translational Health Science Simulation Center at the school.

Ms. Marshall retired from a distinguished, 32-year military career with the rank of colonel. She last served as Chief Nurse Executive and Deputy Commander for Nursing, Tripler Army Medical Center from 2001–2005. Her assignments during her military career included numerous clinical, staff and executive positions within the continental US and Europe.

Ms. Marshall earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and her master’s degree with a specialty in oncology nursing from the University of California, San Francisco. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and of the Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives in Health Care Management.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, Oncology Nursing Society, Sigma Theta Tau. Her recognition and honors include selection as Mana’olana, the State of Hawaii’s Oncology Nurse of the Year and recipient of the Anita Newcomb McGee Award as the Outstanding Army Nurse of the Year. Her military awards include the Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Legion of Merit.

She currently serves as Vice Chair, Luana Kai Board of Directors, and a member of the John A Burns School of Medicine Advisory Council. Previously, she served as Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Oahu region, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation for five years and on the board of American Cancer Society, Hawaii. She also served on the Hawaii State Workforce Committee and the Hawaii Action Coalition for State Center for Nursing for five years.

Return to all profiles
DeWayne McMullin
Director

E. DeWayne McMullin, CPA brings over 40 years of experience in the senior living industry. He has held management positions with Southern California Presbyterian Homes, Presbyterian Homes of New Jersey, and United Methodist Homes of New Jersey. Earlier in his career, he worked for Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young), in the firm’s national retirement living industry consulting practice. Most recently he has worked as a consultant, specializing in management and development services for not for-profit clients in the senior care industry.

Mr. McMullin began his education with a bachelor’s degree in business management from University of Maine, followed by a master’s in business administration from Syracuse University. He later received a master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Southern California, and he became a certified Retirement Housing Professional Fellow (LeadingAge, 1989). He is a certified public accountant in five states: Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, California and New Jersey.

Mr. McMullin volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol, where he has attained The rank of captain and served as the state Director of Finance, assisted with aerial mapping of California wildfires and supported the Salvation Army’s food distribution to families affected by COVID. He has served as a board member and corporate officer for Methodist Hospital of Southern California, and on boards of other retirement communities and affordable housing communities. He is an adjunct lecturer at the USC Davis School of Gerontology and represents the school on the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors.

Return to all profiles
Uche Okezie
Director

Uche Okezie is Director of Real Estate Development at HomeSight, a Seattle based nonprofit Community Development Corporation and Community Development Financial Institution, a position she has held since 2016.  Prior to her current position, she was Senior Project Manager, New Construction & Rehabilitation for HomeSight, beginning in 2002.  Ms. Okezie has extensive experience with project feasibility activities, project and construction management, project funding mechanisms, and in developing effective partnerships with public and private agencies, neighborhood groups and community members.

Ms. Okezie earned her Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Urban Planning from the University of New Orleans in New Orleans, LA and her Master of Urban Planning from the University of Washington in Seattle.  She has also achieved professional certifications in Life Coaching, Construction Management and is a certified Project Management Professional.

A passionate volunteer, Ms. Okezie also serves on the Advisory Board for South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP).

Return to all profiles
Tom Evert
Director

Tom Evert spent more than 30 years in public accounting, working with many of the healthcare providers in the Pacific Northwest. After retiring from KPMG, he served as the CFO for the Washington Hospital Association.

Tom has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in healthcare financial management from the University of Wisconsin, and was a CPA. He has served on various not-for-profit boards, including Overlake Hospital, the Marshfield Clinic Health System, Emerald Heights, and the Eastside Habitat for Humanity.   

Return to all profiles