our leadership team
DAN PETERKA
President and Chief Executive Officer
Over 35 years of diverse experience including development, management and business experience in the U.S. and Europe, Dan has been directly responsible for the start-up and growth of the company. His creation and roll-out of The Sterling Touch® world class customer service program is the foundation of Grand Living’s culture and positions the company as an innovative leader in the senior living industry. Dan’s background includes over 20 years in executive and CEO responsibilities for a national senior living and healthcare organization that developed, owned and managed senior living and healthcare communities, residential apartments and commercial properties, along with extensive experience at Arthur Andersen, an international accounting firm, where he consulted directly with entrepreneurs and closely-held businesses.
Providing remarkable and personalized experiences for residents and their families is my passion. Our approach to service at Grand Living is the essence of our culture and allows us to fulfill our vision to embrace the uniqueness of each individual we serve. We look forward to serving you!
MELINDA SEIFERT
Chief Operating Officer
Over 35 years of healthcare-related experience, most recently serving 11 years as Chief Operating Officer of a national Senior Living and Health Care organization. During her tenure, customer and employee satisfaction improved year over year, and the teams were the recipients of multiple quality awards at both state and national levels. Prior to serving as Chief Operating Officer, Melinda worked extensively in finance and accounting for the same national organization, including seven years as Chief Financial Officer.
Building an engaged team that is confident and enthusiastic is my passion. I am excited to bring Grand Living’s service culture to life with The Sterling Touch®, and am inspired to work with our teams to foster continuous innovation.
BOB DELLE DONNE
National Director of Sales and Marketing
Over 25 years of experience in senior living, real estate, finance and business consulting. Bob has focused on senior living sales and marketing since 2008, assisting residents in a streamlined process for their move into senior living communities. His experience directing national non-profits and his service to many charitable organizations, including working with children and teenagers who provide care services to family members, allows him to bring passion and insight to the vision of Grand Living.
I am deeply passionate about our journey at Grand Living. I believe that we owe our time, talent and service to our Seniors, Veterans, Caregivers and Children who sometimes may not always be able to do for themselves as they age.
DEREK SCHMIDT
Executive Vice President of Operations
Over 20 years experience in healthcare and senior living. Derek is a seasoned post-acute care operator with a focus on keeping residents healthy and active. Previous to Grand Living, Derek was Vice President for a national company with over 250 skilled, assisted, and independent living communities throughout the US. During his tenure with the company, they were industry leaders in customer satisfaction and quality outcomes.
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to learn from and help care for our greatest generation. Providing extraordinary customer service is something that excites and drives me.
KELLEY HAMM, RN
National Vice President of Clinical Services
Over 25 years of clinical and operational management roles in various post-acute care settings, most recently as Senior Division Director of Clinical Services for a national healthcare company with over 250 skilled, assisted, and independent living communities. Kelley is an industry leader in quality improvement, providing education and visionary direction for upcoming changes in the industry, excels at training and mentoring nurses, and is actively involved in legislative improvements on behalf of the industry, and the Seniors she serves.
Wellness is more than the absence of disease. Wellness is unique to each individual. Helping create an environment that inspires a person to thrive and live their best life, is my passion.
KAREN POWERS
National Director of Training
With over 20 years of experience in senior living, moving through community-based regional and vice president roles, Karen brings extensive experience in many facets of community life, from sales and marketing, to developing programs and services that better serve the market, to training teams to better serve residents and families. Passionate about creating continued enriching experiences for senior residents, she believes the key to a successful community is to help people build the skills that cultivate trust, bring compassion to the fore, uphold exceptional service standards and build authentic relationships so our service is a partnership rather than a duty.
As Grand Living is invested at all levels in the success of the residents, the families and the staff, it is greatly satisfying to be an integral part of positively impacting so many lives.
STEVE LARSON
Controller
Over 20 years of healthcare industry experience within the senior living, insurance and managed care sectors serving in leadership roles in finance, accounting, and operations. Throughout his career, Steve has worked extensively developing process solutions, performance measures, and building strong, cohesive teams. Steve’s passion for health and wellness compliments the leadership team at Grand Living.
I am excited to be part of a team, building communities where one can continue to learn, grow, and engage in the things they enjoy most in life.
MICHAEL BOKOSKY
National Director of Culinary Operations
Over 25 years of hospitality experience in culinary operations, including fine dining, hotel and senior living communities. Michael has led, developed and enjoyed creating memorable dining experiences from heart of the house to tableside. Michael has been a featured presenter in Chef programs for the broader community as well as a guest lecturer on culinary trends. Michael studied Culinary Arts at Baltimore Culinary College.
Striving to personalize your entire dining experience within The Sterling Touch® culture is the goal of each of our Culinary team members.
LAUREN ENNIS
Brand and Marketing Manager
With nearly ten years of healthcare industry experience, six spent specifically in the senior living industry, Lauren has worked extensively in branding and marketing senior living residences throughout the United States, also managing social media and web presence. Throughout her career, Lauren has used a keen eye to ensure brand standards are maintained across all platforms. Lauren studied journalism, broadcasting, and public relations at Oklahoma State University.
I enjoy learning about our residents and what they love most about Grand Living, then sharing that information with others who could benefit from the lifestyle and services our communities offer!
TARA CHESTER
HR & Talent Acquisition Manager
With 10 years of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition experience encompassing various industries ranging from senior living, consumer brands, aerospace & defense, healthcare and finance, Tara has focused her career on ensuring Human Resources and Talent Acquisition provides an exceptional experience for her internal and external customers. Tara looks for ways to streamline processes, create efficiencies, control costs and create a seamless experience for employees, leadership and candidates. Tara received her MBA focused on Human Resources Management from Webster University in St. Louis, MO.
My goal is to identify top talent in the market that exhibits and will represent The Sterling Touch at all times for our residents, families and guests who we serve in our communities.
CHRIS GOODWIN
Accounting Manager
Over 15 years of finance experience in the industries of financial services, healthcare, and energy. After obtaining an accounting degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas, Chris focused his career on leading teams in fast-paced, client-driven environments while always seeking process improvements. Chris has great enthusiasm for working with others and has extensive experience in managing individuals and multiple deadlines.
The team at Grand Living is something I am proud to be a part of and contribute to, and I am excited to be a part of the growth at Grand Living.
