LCS CEO Joel Nelson Announces Succession Plan
August 15 2024 - 8:06AM
After nearly four decades in the senior living industry, LCS CEO
Joel Nelson has announced his succession plan. Nelson has served as
LCS CEO since 2018, one of only four who have held the title since
the company’s start in 1971. Chris Bird, LCS President and
Chief Operating Officer, will be promoted to President and CEO,
effective January 1, 2025. Nelson will continue to serve LCS as
Chairman of the LCS Board and as a member of the company’s
Investment Committee. He will also complete his remaining term on
the Argentum Board of Directors. “Chris is exceptionally qualified
to lead LCS through our next chapter of growth,” said Nelson.
One of the key decision points when we hired Chris seven
years ago was his belief and commitment to the LCS culture and
values. I am excited to leverage Chris’ experience, energy, and
passion to continue evolving the LCS strategy into the future.”
Nelson has served the senior living industry since starting his
career in LCS Operations in 1986. After serving in various officer
and executive-level roles, he was chosen to launch a new LCS
company, LCS Real Estate, in 2011. The success of that work
expanded Nelson’s role in the company and led to his promotion to
President and COO in 2015, and President and CEO in 2018.
As you look across the LCS Family of Companies, Nelson’s DNA can
be seen in LCS’ growth, expansion, investment in people &
professional development. At the same time, he has been fully
committed to investing time and resources to help lead the industry
forward. This included service on numerous association boards,
public policy, and board chairman of Argentum. “LCS wouldn’t
be where we are today without Joel’s leadership, integrity, and
commitment to our team, residents, and partners,” said Bird. “He
has led LCS through tremendous growth and championed some of our
most valuable initiatives. I have profound gratitude for all he has
invested to make our organization one of the best in the senior
living industry.”
“Serving more seniors in a positive and meaningful way has been
my goal since the beginning of my career. LCS has achieved success
through our unwavering commitment to company culture and values.
Just as important, we have the best people, the best communities,
and the best partners to succeed and thrive in this business,” said
Nelson. “As I reflect on my career with this announcement, I am
humbled by all we’ve accomplished and thankful for the people and
partners that have helped to make it all possible. I can’t imagine
a higher purpose and any better people to spend nearly 40 years of
my life with.”
LCS is the nation’s third-largest senior living provider, with
132 communities that serve around 40,000 seniors in 31 states. The
LCS Family of Companies serves the senior housing industry through
management, development, real estate, group purchasing, and
insurance.
Traci McBee
LCS
515.875.4500
mcbeetraci@lcsnet.com