Meet Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cedar Crest's New Executive Director

Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., is excited to welcome Ryan Fitzpatrick as executive director!

Fitzpatrick, who got his start at Ann's Choice, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa., and most recently served as associate executive director at Lantern Hill, another Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., boasts years of experience in the senior living industry.

"In some regards, coming to Cedar Crest felt like a new adventure," he explains. "But Erickson's warm, friendly culture is also present here, which made me feel right at home."

Since taking the helm in January, Fitzpatrick has prioritized fostering strong relationships and open communication, ensuring smooth operations for the 130-acre community.

"What really makes Cedar Crest different is the scale. Our staff members work hard to support close to two thousand residents," he says. "With a wide range of on-campus activities and amenities, there's so much to do and see. The energy of this community is wonderful--I'm thriving on it!"

Coming full circle

Fitzpatrick's interest in health care began early on. After earning a bachelor's degree in health policy and administration from Penn State University, he began his Erickson Senior Living career as an intern at Ann's Choice.

"My mother was an R.N. (registered nurse), as were both of my grandmothers. My sister is currently an R.N., too," he says. "I've always loved the idea of health care and helping others, but I also enjoyed the business side."

After completing his internship at Ann's Choice, he moved onto multiple positions at the community--including operations associate, assisted living manager, and home support services manager--before he was offered the opportunity to join the Administrator in Training program at Cedar Crest in 2016.

Following the training program, Fitzpatrick accepted a position as assistant continuing care administrator at Lantern Hill. There, he earned promotions to continuing care director and then associate executive director.

Fitzpatrick says the opportunity to return to Cedar Crest as executive director feels especially meaningful because of his history with the community. "I kick-started my leadership journey at Cedar Crest," he says. "It really feels like a full-circle moment."

Living out his mission

With close to nine months under his belt in this new role, Fitzpatrick says his days are full, and no two days are alike.

"In addition to the ongoing task of supporting daily community operations, I enjoy walking around campus and interacting with residents," he says. "Whether it's giving opening remarks for a resident program or stopping in our restaurants to say hello and chat with residents, being out and about is the most rewarding part of my job."

Fitzpatrick notes that learning how to better support residents, while getting to know them individually, helps Cedar Crest provide the best lifestyle and experiences possible. "For me, it's important to really pay attention--one interaction at a time," he says.

Kate Tanis, who also recently rejoined Cedar Crest as sales director, says she enjoys working alongside Fitzpatrick. "He values transparency and cares deeply about resident and employee satisfaction. He's positive, energetic, and always willing to listen. He takes the time to understand the impact of an issue before making decisions."

This approach reflects Erickson Senior Living's mission of helping people live better lives, which has resonated with Fitzpatrick throughout his career. "I love working at Erickson Senior Living communities because of the culture, values, and mission," he says. "It resonates with who I am as a person."

Welcome back!

Since returning to Cedar Crest in January, Fitzpatrick has received nothing but warm welcomes from residents and staff members.

"Ten years later, it's great seeing how many staff members are still here. I'm recognizing so many familiar faces from my 2016 training," he says.

And with his Philadelphia background, "There are also plenty of friendly jokes," he says, with a laugh.

Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick is focused on building relationships while continuing to support the mission that first drew him to Erickson Senior Living.

"It's special to come back to a community that played such an important role in my career," he says. "I'm excited to continue getting to know residents and staff members and living out my mission of helping people."

When Fitzpatrick isn't at Cedar Crest, he and his wife, Samantha--whom he calls "Sammy"--enjoy newlywed life by spending time with family and visiting the Jersey Shore.

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By Susan Ingram