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THE TEAM AT THE FITZGERALD

Kisco Senior Living’s experienced management team is committed to providing exceptional, five-star service through teamwork, professionalism, open communication, and continuous improvement. We ensure that every senior living community we operate creates a warm and welcoming environment that encourages our residents to pursue their passion and purpose. Kisco associates live by a standard of excellence that encompasses accountability, personal growth, honesty, and a desire to go above and beyond, with our ultimate objective guaranteeing our residents the best experience possible.

DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE

At Kisco Senior Living and The Fitzgerald of Palisades, our commitment revolves around curating a meaningful and fulfilling lifestyle for every resident and community. Upholding our enduring principles, values, and beliefs ensures a foundation of safety and security while empowering our residents to engage in distinctive experiences that emphasize innovation and personal development.

President & Chief Executive Officer

Andy Kohlberg

Andrew S. Kohlberg is the Founder, President and CEO of Kisco Senior Living, LLC. Mr. Kohlberg’s primary responsibilities are strategic planning and capital allocation. Through his timely purchase and development of well-located senior living communities, Kisco has assembled a unique portfolio of assets.

Under his direction, a superb management team has been assembled in specialized areas such as human resources, marketing, sales, risk management, care services and dining. He personally conducts focus groups with residents and staff to improve resident loyalty and associate engagement.

Mr. Kohlberg attended the University of Tennessee and has completed advanced studies at the University of California San Diego in real estate economics and feasibility analysis, commercial real estate development, fundamentals of construction and legal aspects of real estate investment.

He has been a member of the American Senior Housing Association (ASHA), California Assisted Living Association (CALA), and the San Diego Chapter of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). In November 2002, the Seniors Housing Council awarded him the SAGE Person of the Year Award for his commitment to the seniors housing industry. In April 2003, he accepted the Icon Award in the Service Enriched Builder/Developer category from the National Association of Home Builders.

Since 2004, Mr. Kohlberg has been an investment partner and Vice Chairman with the Phoenix Suns professional basketball team. He regularly attends basketball games and management meetings.

Prior to joining Kisco, Mr. Kohlberg enjoyed a successful professional tennis career, competing in the semifinals of Wimbledon and quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, was named NCAA Collegiate Player of the Year and was an All American at the University of Tennessee. He represented the United States on the Junior Davis Cup and Sunshine Cup Teams, as well as in the Pan American Games where he won a gold medal.

General Manager

Alphonso Westley

Prior to joining Kisco in November 2023, Alphonso spent 15 years serving older adults and their families across multiple states in several operational roles including Regional Director of Operations for a large senior living operator with multiple communities in Northern Virginia.

In addition to his experience in senior living, he worked for a large healthcare provider in Massachusetts, Partners Healthcare, where his primary objectives focused on patient care, as well as quality and performance improvement to enhance the hospital experience.

He received his Master’s degree in Healthcare Management from Cambridge College, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Affairs from Boston University.

Membership Director

Courtney Melendez

Before joining Kisco in November 2023, Courtney spent seven years with a well-known senior living brand serving residents and providing solutions for their families.

Courtney first became a Director of Sales with Mary Kay cosmetics while in college. By selling and marketing to all of her administrators and college professors – and their spouses – she earned the coveted free Mary Kay vehicle for both sales and for having personally recruited and trained a team of 30 direct-report sales consultants.

After graduation, Courtney worked for Marriott in various sales, event management and catering roles. These positions provided valuable skills in adaptability and helped her master her solutions-oriented approach. During her seven-year tenure with Marriott, she became a certified event planner who booked and managed large conventions and meetings and coordinated VIP political events.

Courtney received her B.B.A in Marketing, along with a minor in psychology, from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

She’s married to her college sweetheart, Tito, and together they have two talented daughters who excel as honor students and on the basketball court. Oldest daughter, Amani, plays for Lander University in South Carolina, while Maia is a Varsity Captain as a freshman in high school.

Membership Coordinator

Megan Chun

Prior to joining Kisco in December 2023, Megan spent two years with another senior living brand, driven by her passion to positively impact the lives of others. During this time, Megan gained invaluable experience in the senior living industry, where she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of fostering meaningful connections with residents and their families, while also honing her skills in providing compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Megan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Aging Services from The Erickson School of Aging at The University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Graduating with honors, she demonstrated exceptional skill both academically and athletically, simultaneously excelling as a Division I soccer player.

Art of Living Well Director

Jenn Soss

Prior to joining Kisco, Jen had worked in the senior living industry for over the past 15 years. Jen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation & Tourism at Montclair State University, in New Jersey. While at school, Jen interned at two local senior living communities while also playing Varsity Field Hockey for Montclair State.

After graduating, Jen went on to become a Recreation Director at an assisted living facility in Princeton, New Jersey. While working at that community she earned her NJ Certified Assisted Living Administrator’s license and then her Master’s in Business Administration from Rider University.

Jen then went on to work for a larger company and helped open two of their new communities, one in New Jersey and one in Virginia.  While working in Virginia, Jen was the recipient of the 2022 Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Award. Her excitement for helping seniors is shown through the programs and events she has planned during her career. One of her favorite accomplishments was successfully having a resident compete in the Penn Relays’ 100-yard dash, 80+ year old division.

When not at work Jen enjoys hiking in Shenandoah, biking the trails along the Potomac River and exploring all of the wonders that D.C. has to offer. Jen enjoys supporting local sports, but her heart will always be with the Philadelphia teams. Go birds!

Facilities Director

Calvin Johnson

Prior to joining Kisco, Calvin spent over 11 years providing the highest levels of care and service to residents at Vijson Hall Retirement Community and Brandywine Senior Living Facilities. During this time, he served in several roles, including Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, Assistant Facilities Director, and Facilities Director.

He has directed facilities and environmental services teams as well as contractors. Calvin stated, “I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, training, and experience, but nothing compares to the interactions I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing with my residents and families. I look forward to serving the residents of The Fitzgerald of Palisades.”

VP of Operations, Signature Communities

Gene Smallwood

Gene Smallwood provides comprehensive sales support to Kisco Senior Living communities across the portfolio. In this role he provides strategic oversite for community sales teams, supports the digital marketing and social media efforts across both brand and community channels, serves as the partner relationship contact for industry lead/referral agencies, and is tasked with developing partnerships and innovations that keep Kisco’s sales teams among the best in the industry.

Previous to Kisco, Gene held key leadership positions at luxury and lifestyle resorts across the country for over 15 years, having enjoyed careers with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Loews Hotels, Two Roads Hospitality, Evolution Hospitality Management and DiamondRock Hospitality Company, a publicly traded real estate investment trust.

Assistant General Manager

Gia Aron

In the illustrious world of hospitality and senior living, Gia shines as a beacon of dedication and grace. With a distinguished career spanning over 10 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, Gia’s journey with the Kisco family began in October of 2020. She brings with her a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Administration and is fervently advancing her knowledge in Gerontology.

Gia’s journey has been one of unwavering dedication to crafting unforgettable and unique experiences, touching the lives of many with her impeccable service and innate talent for customer retention. Her devotion to excellence and her deep-seated passion for building and nurturing relationships have blossomed into a heartfelt mission: to make a lasting and profound difference in the lives of seniors.

Guided by her expertise and boundless compassion, Gia continues to weave a tapestry of care, creating a haven where every moment is cherished, and every resident feels genuinely valued.

Membership Director

Brandon Webb

Prior to joining Kisco, Brandon led sales teams at several communities in Northern Virginia and Maryland over a nine-year span. Before transitioning to senior living, he served as a Director of Admissions for two skilled nursing communities in Philadelphia. Brandon’s introduction to healthcare occurred as he worked as an

Activities Coordinator at a nursing community while finishing college. It was that experience that taught him the value of building strong relationships with residents and their families. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Delaware State University and is excitedly looking forward to his twins, Kassidy and Kadin, beginning their college careers this upcoming fall.

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Tiffany Green

Prior to joining Kisco, Tiffany had over a decade of healthcare leadership experience in the Midwest and, in recent years, in Virginia. She has served as a Director of Sales and Marketing in senior living and the hospice industry. With her upbringing in the healthcare sector, Tiffany’s extensive background positions her well to foster strategic collaborations at The Fitzgerald of Palisades.

Starting as a teenager, Tiffany volunteered and participated in activities with residents in the local community, which turned into a job working with seniors throughout high school. In college, Tiffany focused her studies on Global Marketing and traveled the world, including completing all her international coursework at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus.

After graduation, Tiffany returned to senior living and eventually transitioned to hospice. During this time, Tiffany earned a Master’s in Gerontology from the University of Indianapolis. These positions taught Tiffany relationship-building skills and an adaptable approach to dealing with partners in the community and families. Tiffany is married to Remy, and they relocated to the area in 2022 from Indianapolis. Together, they have a beautiful son, Truitt, and their beloved Shih Tzu, Izzy.

Memory Care Director

Marianne Teixeira

Marianne is an Army veteran who made a career change after graduating from the University of Maryland College Park with a BS in Kinesiology. She started working in the senior living industry where she was the fitness and wellness manager of a senior community. She then spent several years as an activities director working in skilled nursing and assisted living communities. During this time, she discovered a profound passion for resident care, particularly for those with dementia. This passion inspired her to further specialize and become a Memory Care Director. With an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of people with dementia, Marianne actively seeks innovative ways to engage and enrich the experiences of both residents and their families.

Marianne is a proud mother to four adult children and one grandson. An avid reader and knitter, she also has a keen interest in vintage clothing. Marianne’s love for travel has taken her to five continents, where she immerses herself in the local culture of each destination. Known for her exceptional ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, Marianne considers this to be her superpower.

Food & Beverage Director

Edgar Jimenez

Prior to joining Kisco, Edgar Jimenez boasts an extensive career as a Food and Beverage Director, spanning over three decades. Hailing originally from Colombia, Edgar refined his expertise in hospitality and management at the esteemed Universidad Externado de Colombia. Throughout his impressive tenure in the industry, Edgar has consistently showcased his leadership prowess, renowned for his strategic acumen and operational finesse. With a career spanning 40 years, he has consistently driven growth and efficiency across various organizations. In his most recent role spanning seven years, Edgar played a pivotal role in transforming his company, significantly enhancing turnover rates and optimizing operational processes.

Under his leadership, the company experienced remarkable growth, underscoring Edgar’s commitment to elevating productivity and fostering employee satisfaction. Widely respected within the senior living community, Edgar is recognized for his unwavering dedication to excellence and forward-thinking strategies. His passion for innovation ensures he remains a prominent figure in shaping the evolving landscape of food and beverage services.

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