November 27, 2024 —The Kendal at Lexington Board has announced that Jan Bigelow, CEO since May 2020, has resigned to accept the position of President and CEO of a Life Plan Community in Williamsburg, VA. Jan will begin her new role in January, with her last day at Kendal at Lexington set for December 6, 2024.
During her tenure, Jan guided Kendal at Lexington through one of the most challenging periods in senior living history: the COVID-19 pandemic. She also oversaw the completion of Phase III construction, spearheaded initiatives to maintain and enhance the community’s aging infrastructure, implemented much of the current strategic plan, and introduced amenities such as the Kendal Dog Park.
“Jan’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our community, and we are grateful for her diligent work and stewardship over the past four and a half years,” said Pam Luecke, board chair. “Her legacy includes a strong leadership team and a financially sound community well-positioned for the future. We wish her all the best in her new role.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the Kendal at Lexington Board has appointed Felicia DiPronio Bush as Interim CEO, effective December 6. Felicia has been the community’s Chief Financial Officer since 2006 and brings extensive experience and institutional knowledge to her new role.
In February, the transition will be further supported by Doug Helman, a senior living specialist with the Kendal Corporation. Doug, the former CEO of Kendal at Granville (Ohio) and recent Interim CEO of Kendal’s Enso Village in California, will provide consultative guidance to Felicia and the board.
The board will launch a national search for a permanent CEO in the coming weeks, with input from employees and residents. Kendal Corporation CEO Vassar Byrd and her team have pledged their full support throughout this process.
About Felicia DiPronio Bush
Felicia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a certified CPA. Since moving to Lexington in 1994, she has been deeply involved in the community, contributing to organizations such as St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kerr’s Creek Ruritan Club, The Community Table, and the Lexington Economic Development Authority. Under her financial leadership, Kendal at Lexington has consistently earned the “Exemplary Recognition Seal” from A.V. Powell & Associates.
About Doug Helman
Doug holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Administration from Bowling Green State University. Licensed as a nursing home administrator, Doug has over 30 years of experience in senior living. He has also contributed to organizations like the Granville Rotary and Hospice of Central Ohio.
The board is confident in the combined leadership of Felicia and Doug to guide Kendal at Lexington through this transition and looks forward to identifying the next leader for Kendal at Lexington.