In an era of change, Wexner Heritage Village announces new partnership and leadership
Goldsand to lead as new Executive Director, as nonprofit positions for the future
COLUMBUS, OHIO – December 14, 2022 — In a changing era of senior care, Wexner Heritage Village (WHV) has announced a partnership with United Church Homes Management, Inc. (UCHM) and leadership changes that reposition the senior care community for the future. The changes allow WHV to adapt to industry change and focus on its core strengths, while maintaining its independence, strong Jewish values, and mission to serve community members from all faiths and backgrounds.
“For more than 70 years, Wexner Heritage Village has provided high quality senior care in our community,” explained Ira Kane, chair of the WHV board of directors. “As we plan for the future, we are pleased to announce that WHV will leverage UCHM’s extensive resources in support of our mission.”
“Even as we share today’s exciting news, we acknowledge that many nonprofit organizations like ours have faced relentless challenges in recent years,” said Kane. “These include the increasing shortfall in Medicaid reimbursements, a steady flow of governmental regulation, inflationary factors, and other continuing major impacts from the global pandemic. We are proud to have met these challenges head on and have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best nursing homes in the United States, with a ‘high performing’ rating that was awarded to the top 16 percent of organizations nationwide.”
The partnership agreement provides access to resources and support for WHV operational teams and does not involve a change of ownership. Wexner Heritage Village will continue to operate independently as a Jewish, faith-based organization governed by its current board of directors.
“Coming out of the pandemic, many senior organizations with a single-site delivery model are looking for a partner that can strengthen their organization,” said CEO Gary Rosenstein. “Our partnership with UCHM will facilitate WHV’s long-term financial sustainability objectives, as we benefit from their scale and expertise. Their support of our leadership and operational teams will strengthen our ability to continue to deliver exceptional care and fulfill our mission.”
Rabbi Debbie Lefton will continue to serve as director of Wexner Heritage Village’s spiritual care program. “Wexner Heritage Village was founded on the timeless traditions of the Jewish faith, and we are very pleased by the commitment of UCHM to honor and enhance that legacy,” said Rabbi Lefton. “UCHM is a fellow faith-based nonprofit senior care organization whose mission aligns closely with our own. Across their 85 senior living communities, in 15 states and two Native American nations, they continually demonstrate a commitment to seniors from all faith backgrounds.”
Effective January 3, 2023, leadership changes include the departure of Rosenstein, who has led the nonprofit for eighteen months, and previously served as board chair, finance chair, and strategic planning committee leader. President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Christian will leave the organization, after 25 years of serving WHV.
Corey Goldsand will step in to lead as Executive Director. Having served as Chief Human Resource & Compliance Officer and General Counsel for WHV for three years, Goldsand is a former executive with Cardinal Health who has decades of operational and management expertise. A 20-year resident of Bexley and member of Temple Israel’s Board of Directors, Goldsand is deeply committed to the mission and community.
“Our leadership and operational teams are doing outstanding work to deliver compassionate care to seniors,” said Goldsand. “I’m excited about the additional resources that UCHM will bring to support our teams in the years to come.”
“We are deeply grateful to Gary and Chris for their service,” said Kane. “During challenging times, Gary leveraged his experience to position WHV for the future. He strengthened operations, rebuilt our leadership team, and led the strategic plan that secured our UCHM partnership. Chris’ 25 years of service are unprecedented and have shaped all aspects of WHV. His leadership during the pandemic was exemplary, where he galvanized staff to deliver on our mission while protecting the safety of residents, patients, staff, and families.”
“During this season of change in the senior care industry, we welcome the new partnership that will allow WHV to move towards a sustainable future and have a greater ability to adapt to change,” said Joel Marcovitch, President & CEO of Jewish Columbus. “We are looking forward to working with Corey, who will be stepping into a new leadership role, and we are extremely grateful to Gary Rosenstein and Chris Christian for their tremendous dedication and service to our community.”
“We are excited about this partnership with Wexner Heritage Village, as their commitment to faith, kindness and prosperity for older adults aligns with the United Church Homes mission, vision and values,” said Terry Spitznagel, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at UCH. “WHV for years has provided exceptional quality care and services and their reputation speaks to their unwavering dedication to community. Additionally, UCH has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as does WHV and we share in our mission to create abundant life for all. UCH has great respect for the Jewish legacy of WHV and will honor and support the timeless Jewish values and traditions that guide WHV.”
ABOUT WEXNER HERITAGE VILLAGE
For more than 70 years, Wexner Heritage Village has provided high-quality senior care to the Columbus community. Grounded in Jewish values, the nonprofit serves people of all faiths, offering compassionate care that includes independent and assisted living, memory care, hospice care, and skilled nursing services. The nonprofit has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as “high performing,” placing it among the top 16 percent of nursing facilities in the country. For more information: www.whv.org.
ABOUT UNITED CHURCH HOMES MANAGEMENT, INC.
United Church Homes Management, Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit senior living provider that has served older adults for more than 100 years. Based in Ohio, the organization operates 85 senior living communities in 15 states and two Native American nations, providing independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term skilled rehabilitation, long-term care, and affordable housing. For more information: www.unitedchurchhomes.org.
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