Lawrence D. Carlson Selected President of United Methodist Homes

NEPTUNE, N.J. — Rev. Dr. Virginia Samuel Cetuk, chair of the United Methodist Homes board of directors, announced the selection of Lawrence D. Carlson as president and CEO, effective September 6, 2011. A distinguished search committee, chaired by Dr. Cetuk, cooperatively chose Mr. Carlson from the many highly accomplished candidates over a one-year period.

Of 10 United Methodist Homes communities statewide, two operate  in Ocean City: The Shores at Wesley Manor and Wesley by the Bay.

Most recently, he was senior vice president of operations for the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service Corporation, a not-for-profit senior care organization with over 3,400 residents among 12 campuses. Mr. Carlson has exhibited achievement in developing human capital, outstanding team leadership, strong fiscal management and effective resident and staff relations.

Dr. Cetuk commented, “Mr. Carlson has more than 35 years experience in upper-level management of faith-based senior communities. Given this skill set, we are confident he will lead the United Methodist Homes into a bright future.”

His former professional responsibilities include executive leadership positions with retirement communities in Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas.

Mr. Carlson brings expertise in operations, strategic planning, board development, new project design and development and fiscal management in a variety of environments including adult day health, assisted living, skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation and congregate housing. His career accomplishments include the 2007 Legacy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Financial Performance.

Mr. Carlson’s academic degrees include a Master of Business Administration from Babson College (Wellesley, Massachusetts) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Roanoke College (Salem, Virginia). He holds licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator in three states. He and his wife, Melanie, have three adult daughters.

Mr. Kirk Stiffney of MHS Alliance assisted the Homes in its executive search. The search committee, led by Dr. Cetuk, also included selected members of the board, United Methodist Homes Foundation trustees and board members emeriti.

The former president, The Reverend Dr. James C. Batten, retires following 20 years of distinguished service to the United Methodist Homes. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors affiliated in ministry with the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The mission of the United Methodist Homes is to provide quality and caring services to senior men and women in a Christian community. With over 100 years of continuous operation, the organization operates ten communities offering independent, residential, assisted-living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, memory support, respite, and hospice to 1,400 persons of all faith backgrounds.