Leading With Heart: Celebrating the People Who Make Our Communities Extraordinary

Behind every thriving senior living community and cooperative is a leader who makes a difference in ways both big and small.

Our Executive Directors, Administrators, and Property Managers do far more than oversee daily operations. They're problem-solvers, mentors, advocates, neighbors and trusted partners. They create environments where residents and member-owners feel at home, team members feel supported, and meaningful relationships flourish.

And their impact often reaches far beyond the walls of the communities they lead.

To celebrate these remarkable individuals, we asked team members across Ebenezer to share stories about the leaders who inspire them. Their responses remind us that great leadership isn't defined by a title. It's demonstrated through action, compassion and a willingness to go the extra mile.

Here are six leaders making a difference every day, as told by the colleagues who nominated them.

Ann Grode | Oak Meadows Senior Living

Executive Director

Recognized by Angie Renel, Director of Health Services at Oak Meadows Senior Living

Q: What makes Ann's approach to leadership so special?

According to Angie Renel, Ann Grode is known for her welcoming smile, quick sense of humor and dedication to residents and team members. Whether she's tackling projects, preparing grant proposals or finding creative ways to improve her community, Ann is always looking for ways to make life better for others.

Angie especially appreciates Ann's ability to make difficult situations feel manageable. "Ann knows how to make hard things doable. She guides us, and supports us through any challenge."

Q: How would her team describe the community she's helped create?

In one word: family. "We are a family here at Oak Meadows, and Ann is our matriarch!" Angie shares. It's a fitting tribute to a leader who brings people together through warmth, encouragement and a genuine commitment to their wellbeing.

John Boston | Meadows on Fairview

Executive Director

Recognized by Kim Anderson, Outreach and Sales Director at Meadows on Fairview

Q: How does John's leadership reach beyond his community?

Kim Anderson recognized John Boston for his commitment to educating and supporting older adults and caregivers throughout the broader community.

In August 2026, John participated in three Alzheimer's education programs in North Branch, Rush City and Chisago City, joining a local physician and aging services programmer for community discussions. The events drew more than 120 attendees, setting an attendance record for the Chisago Age Well Coalition's Dine & Discover series.

Q: What impact did John make on attendees?

Kim shared some of the feedback from caregivers who attended the programs. For many, the discussions offered more than information. They provided understanding, encouragement and reassurance. One attendee shared: "John Boston's gentle talk was powerful." Another participant said his presentation "made so much sense to feel better as a caregiver," adding, "He gave me a needed affirmation that I'm doing as well as I can as a caregiver."

John's story illustrates how the compassion and expertise found within our communities can make a meaningful difference throughout the communities around us.

Aubreeanna Sink | Vintage Cooperative of Beaverdale

Property Manager

Recognized by Kimberly Brown, Regional Manager, Homeowner's Associations at Ebenezer Corporate

Q: What does leadership look like when the unexpected happens?

For Aubreeanna Sink, it looks like answering the call, even in the middle of the night.

Kimberly Brown nominated Aubreeanna for her extraordinary response when an after-hours fire emergency occurred at Vintage Cooperative of Beaverdale in Des Moines, Iowa. Despite having already worked a full day, Aubreeanna arrived on site shortly after midnight and stayed until 8 a.m., coordinating vendors, rallying member-owners, keeping her team informed and providing a calm, reassuring presence throughout the emergency.

Q: What makes her response so remarkable?

Kimberly shared that after spending the night supporting her community, Aubreeanna took only a few hours to rest before returning to work to make sure everything was taken care of. Kimberly shared: "Aubreeanna's commitment, resilience, and compassion show the incredible heart she brings to Ebenezer every day—we are so fortunate to have her on our team!"

Her quick thinking and steady leadership helped guide her community through an incredibly stressful situation. It's an extraordinary example of the responsibility and care our community leaders bring to their roles, especially when people need them most.

Kersten Edelbrock | Amira Choice Minnetonka

Executive Director

Recognized by Abby Dahl, Executive Director at Amira Choice Champlin

Q: What makes a great leader an equally great colleague?

For Kersten Edelbrock, leadership doesn't stop at the doors of her own community. Abby Dahl, Executive Director at sister community Amira Choice Champlin, nominated Kersten for the partnership, generosity and support she's provided over several years. Kersten has helped Abby's community during important openings, arranged additional staffing support, shared equipment and worked alongside colleagues to solve challenging problems.

Q: What sets Kersten apart?

Abby describes Kersten as a fierce advocate, a thoughtful problem-solver and someone who never hesitates to roll up her sleeves. "She is also the kind of leader who understands that our success as an organization is bigger than any one building or team."

That trust extends personally, too. Kersten recently recommended Abby's community to a family friend seeking a new home, a meaningful reflection of her confidence in her colleagues.

Her willingness to share resources and celebrate the success of others exemplifies leadership rooted in partnership rather than individual recognition.

Suzie Konecny | Meadow Woods on the Martin Luther Campus

Executive Director

Recognized by Kate Blessing, Director of Community Relations at Martin Luther Campus

Q: What does it mean to lead by example?

Ask Kate Blessing, Director of Community Relations at Martin Luther Campus, and she'll point to Housing Director Suzie Konecny. Kate describes Suzie as an outstanding example of servant leadership. "Suzie is the best example of a servant leader! She would never ask a staff member to do something she was not willing to do herself."

She's always ready to roll up her sleeves, step in wherever she's needed and make sure her residents and team members have the support they deserve.

Q: What does her team appreciate most?

Suzie's calm presence, especially under pressure, makes her a trusted resource for those around her. Kate describes her as someone who keeps all the balls in the air while never losing sight of what matters most: the people she serves.

Sometimes, the strongest leadership isn't the loudest. It's the quiet, consistent commitment to doing whatever needs to be done.

Chloe Shimota | Amira Choice Plymouth

Executive Director

Recognized by Tre Von McClellan, New Employee Orientation Coordinator at Ebenezer Corporate

Q: How can a great leader change someone's life?

Sometimes, the most lasting impact of leadership is found in the people a leader helps grow. For Tre Von McClellan, New Employee Orientation Coordinator at Ebenezer Corporate, Chloe Shimota has been far more than a mentor. She's been a source of encouragement, guidance and enduring belief through some of life's most important moments.

Chloe is known for balancing high expectations with genuine compassion, challenging those around her to grow while giving them the support and confidence to succeed.

Q: What makes Chloe's mentorship so meaningful?

Tre Von describes Chloe as someone who leads with her mind, heart and gut, making thoughtful decisions while keeping people at the center. "Her belief in me has given me confidence to pursue new opportunities, embrace challenges, and continue growing both professionally and personally."

Her influence has reached beyond professional development, offering support and encouragement through personal challenges and milestones as well. As Tre Von shared, "Chloe Shimota exemplifies the kind of leader people aspire to work for and to become."

It's a powerful reminder that exceptional leaders don't simply build strong communities. They help develop the next generation of leaders.

Different Communities. One Shared Commitment.

These six leaders serve different communities, face different challenges and bring their own unique strengths to their work. Yet their stories share a common thread. They show up when it matters. They make difficult situations easier. They share what they know, support those around them and recognize that the wellbeing of their residents, member-owners and team members comes first.

They also remind us that great leadership comes in many forms. Sometimes it's staying through the night during an emergency. Sometimes it's sharing expertise with a room full of caregivers, helping a neighboring community succeed or giving a colleague the confidence to take the next step in their career. And often, it's the countless everyday acts of kindness, patience and dedication that never make the headlines.

To all our Executive Directors, Administrators, and Property Managers across Ebenezer: Thank you.

Thank you for your leadership, your compassion and the countless ways you make our communities places where people feel supported, connected and truly at home. Your work matters. Your impact is lasting. And we're grateful for all you do.