NEPTUNE, NJ: United Methodist Communities (UMC) announced that President & CEO Larry Carlson will be retiring later this year. Carlson has served in his role since 2011 and his tenure with the nonprofit senior living provider has been marked by organizational growth, innovation, and deep commitment to UMC’s mission of compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life. He is a respected leader with over 45 years of experience in the sector.
Nona Ostrove, Chair of United Methodist Communities’ Board of Directors, commented on the impact of Carlson’s leadership. “Larry’s vision and commitment to mission has empowered us to commission our leaders, reframe our benevolent care program, rebrand United Methodist Homes of NJ to United Methodist Communities, and create our mission, vision, and values. Under his leadership, UMC launched HomeWorks, our home healthcare division, reimagined resident-centered neighborhoods, and championed the evolution of memory care into our Alzheimer’s Association accredited Tapestries ® model of care.”
Ostrove also shared that UMC’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee for Carlson’s successor and has retained The Deffet Group, Inc., an executive search firm with over 25 years’ experience partnering with nonprofit senior living organizations, to assist with the process.
In a recent letter to board members, residents and families, donors, and other internal UMC stakeholders, Carlson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as UMC’s President & CEO for the last eleven years. He reflected on his pride in the committed and collaborative culture of the ministry and his deep appreciation for those he has served with, writing, “One of the most important characteristics of our UMC culture is the desire to be better and do better for the seniors we serve. I came to love the residents, associates, board members, donors, and all of the supporters that make up UMC’s family. These relationships will be treasured for the remainder of my life.”
Both Carlson and Ostrove affirmed their commitment to establishing a lane of success for UMC’s next president.
About United Methodist Communities
United Methodist Communities is a not-for-profit organization guided by a volunteer board of directors affiliated in ministry with the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. The mission of the United Methodist Communities is compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life.
With 115 years of continuous operation, the organization has grown to 13 locations offering independent, residential, and assisted living; Tapestries® Memory Care; respite; rehabilitation; long-term care; Bridges Hospice and Palliative Care; affordable senior housing; and case management, live-in and in-home personal care through HomeWorks.
Learn more at umcommunities.org.