SAINT FRANCIS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Chairman of the Board
Bruce shepherds the Saint Francis community with knowledge and expertise, based on 30 years in healthcare and information technology, as well as 15 years in assisted living administration. The Virginia Tech graduate earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He also achieved certification as an Assisted Living Administrator. As the Executive Director for Saint Francis, Bruce oversees management of operations and fundraising, as well as the organization's mission, governance, operations, development, and physical plant. However, his favorite moments are those spent mingling with residents. Bruce's home life is much the same, for it is centered around family, faith, and community service.
Casey coordinates Saint Francis' volunteer and community outreach, based on seven years of experience in the fields of mental health and community college tutoring. She achieved a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology and English from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and attained certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional - Trainee. Currently, Casey is working on a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from VCU. She enjoys building relationships with residents of Saint Francis, as well as reading, hiking, and walking the trails of Richmond.
Cesar manages the day-to-day operations of the Saint Francis campus. He brings three years of related experience, as well as a Bachelor's of Arts degree and a Master's of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Cesar broadened his expertise by attaining certification as an Assisted Living Administrator and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Though operations administration is a full-time commitment, Cesar strives to win a smile (or two!) from residents throughout the day. After hours, he plans fun-filled camping trips with his family and enjoys time with his friends.
Caring for underserved senior communities has been Christy's focus for the past 20 years of her 25-year nonprofit career. With a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of Saint Benedict, Christy has successfully spearheaded nonprofit fundraising, planned giving, major gifts, donor cultivation, and stewardship. She always strives to see the good in people, and she enjoys witnessing the miracle of generosity as it brings joy not only to those who benefit but also to the giver. Her pastimes range from reading and putting together jigsaw puzzles, to gardening and spending time with family. Christy and her husband also enjoy attending their daughter's cross-country races and track meets.
Claire has worked in the social services field since 2017 and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2022. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance, followed by a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her training in human services includes CPR/first aid, certification as a Private Pay Uniform Assessment Instrument assessor, and as a notary public. Claire finds joy in connecting residents and families with helpful resources that enrich their lives. She also enjoys hours spent gardening, crafting ceramics, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Director of Sales and Marketing
Connie directs Saint Francis' sales and marketing endeavors. She also interfaces with qualified prospects and their families, as well as referral sources, by building positive relationships, explaining the community's philosophies and services, and assisting with decision-making through evaluation of prospects' needs, desires, and wants. Connie helps seniors find a safe and caring place to call home based on expertise gleaned from more than three decades of related experience, backed by certifications with the American Marketing Association and COX Executive Leadership. In addition to enjoying Chesapeake Bay getaways with her husband and yellow lab, Connie makes time for antique and consignment shopping.
Dawud appreciates architecture, so with pride and respect he directs the maintenance of buildings and systems for Saint Francis. He relies on 25 years of facilities experience, as well as satisfaction in knowing that he and his team enhance the community's environment and safety for the wellbeing of residents and staff. Dawud's nurturing attitude extends into the local community, too, where he has officiated high school and college sports for more than two decades.
"My father used to always say, ‘live for today, but prepare for tomorrow.' I apply those words to many facets of my life, including my work."-Dawud Mills
Deborah achieved a Bachelor's degree of Science in Psychology from James Madison University. She has since devoted more than two decades to long-term care services as a Social Worker, Admissions Coordinator, and Development Associate. For the past two years, Deborah has focused on grant writing for Saint Francis, where she treasures being part of a team that raises funding to support the care of seniors with limited financial means. She considers this a societal concern that impacts residents and Richmond alike. This nurturing tendency continues after hours as Deborah lovingly tends her garden.
Edna's expertise in food service management stems from more than 20 years of experience in the military, hospital, and restaurant food-service industries. She is ServSafe Certified, which supports her knowledge of responsible and safe food service measures. Edna creates meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious. She and her staff also work hard to comply with Saint Francis residents' special dietary needs. In her free time, Edna enjoys traveling to Europe, the Caribbean, and across the U.S., but her favorite thing? When her husband cooks for her!
Frances earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the MCV School of Nursing, followed by her Master's degree in the Nursing Program at the University of Phoenix. She also completed her Nurse Practitioner Certification at South University. With this knowledge and related skillsets, she has dedicated 30 years of her life as a Nurse. Her focus is geriatrics, where she remains devoted to residents and fellow staff. As Director of Nursing for Saint Francis, her days are full. Yet, Frances is quick to share about her love of elephants, as well as her joy of reading, dancing, and spending time with her grandsons.
Job Titles:
- Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisor
Jennifer worked five years in housekeeping as a Floor Technician before joining Saint Francis as the Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisor. Her extensive experience in maintaining floors and carpets, coupled with chemical knowledge, ensures top-notch cleanliness, safety, and sanitation across the public spaces and residences at Saint Francis. Jennifer is grateful to be a part of the Saint Francis family, and she enjoys showing residents the dignity and respect they deserve. When not at work, she spends time with her own family, preferably outside as much as possible!
Jessie has worked in resident care for seven years and currently serves as the Resident Care Coordinator at Saint Francis. She accomplished a Bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology and Healthcare Administration, and currently, she attends South University in pursuit of a Registered Nursing degree. In addition, her certifications include Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Technician. Meeting residents' needs is her daily goal, as is making a difference in their lives. After work, Jessie carves out time to bake, participate in outdoor activities, listen to music, write, and read.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Chairman of the Board
For seven years, Sandra has worked in the realm of business management. Her education encompasses Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business Management from Strayer University. All facets of efficient business operation are her focus, but she takes time to visit with Saint Francis residents most every day. Sandra also enjoys the arts, including drawing, painting, coloring, and journaling.