Ashby Ponds Welcomes New Associate Executive Director

Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., is pleased to welcome Franklin Funes as the new associate executive director!

After a successful career at Greenspring, a sister Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., where he most recently served as sales director, Funes brings a resident-centered mindset and a strong appreciation for community life to his new leadership role.

"We are excited to welcome Franklin to Ashby Ponds," says Executive Director Tom Channon. "His nearly two decades of experience at Greenspring demonstrate both his commitment and his passion for serving residents. He is a wonderful addition to our leadership team."

For Funes, serving the Ashby Ponds community feels like a natural continuation of the work he loves most.

"In sales, I loved helping people learn more about the vibrant, worry-free lifestyle that Erickson Senior Living offers," he says. "Now, I have the opportunity to ensure residents are enjoying that same lifestyle. My goal is to make sure every resident is happy to call Ashby Ponds home."

Family legacy

Funes' connection to Erickson Senior Living started at Greenspring, where his mother worked as a member of the housekeeping team. Inspired by her example, he began working at the community as a high school student, serving residents in the on-campus restaurants.

"My mom is my role model when it comes to working hard," says Funes. "When I was a teenager, I decided to follow in her footsteps and see what working at Greenspring was all about."

He adds, "Those early experiences taught me the importance of building relationships and responding thoughtfully to residents' needs."

Funes worked in several departments at Greenspring before joining the sales team, where he gained valuable insights about exceeding the expectations held by prospective residents, providing him with

a well-rounded perspective on how to create a positive community experience.

"I learned so much about what matters most to future and current residents," he says. "Now, here at Ashby Ponds, I work closely with our teams to support those priorities across campus."

Clear communication

Funes believes that clear, open communication is essential to helping residents feel at home. He works closely with department leaders to ensure pertinent information is shared, so residents always feel informed about what is happening across campus.

Funes also values everyday communications, noting that many conversations held in his office offer the greatest perspective on how people experience life at Ashby Ponds.

"Whatever brought someone to my office matters to me," he explains. "I want residents and team members to know they can come to me with questions or ideas and trust that they will receive thoughtful support. I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce that they are part of a caring, responsive community. I want every person to feel understood and valued."

He further encourages communication by regularly connecting with residents in the restaurants, at community events, or simply walking around campus.

"The best part of my job is getting to know the people who live here," he says. "Spending time together also provides insight into what residents enjoy and helps me identify opportunities to enhance their experience."

Teamwork matters

Since arriving at Ashby Ponds, Funes has collaborated with various department leaders across campus to maintain an environment where residents feel well cared for.

"Ashby Ponds is a wonderful community," says Funes. "The leaders here are doing excellent work, and I value the opportunity to support strong resident satisfaction and continued staff engagement."

He also recognizes that exceptional resident experiences are built on the dedication and hard work of team members throughout the community.

"I've been fortunate to work with incredible teams," he notes. "I'm a big believer that you find success in other people's success."

'A special place'

As he becomes a familiar face across campus, Funes is excited to serve in his new role and remains committed to helping maintain the warm, inclusive environment that residents cherish.

"Helping people feel connected and supported is what inspires me," he says. "I look forward to contributing to the exceptional lifestyle that makes Ashby Ponds such a special place to live."

While he remains inspired by his passion for resident engagement, it's his family members who motivate him to go above and beyond every day.

"My family is my motivation," he says. "I get up every day for them. Erickson Senior Living feels like an extension of my family, so I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Ashby Ponds community."

To learn more about independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Kelly Shue