Leadership Teams

Robert L. Rundle, Jr., BS, CPA
President/Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer

In his capacity as president/CEO, Bob has strategic and managerial accountability for all ministries of SpiriTrust Lutheran^® and its subsidiaries. His role involves ensuring the integrity of the agency’s core values, donor cultivation, public relations, strategic visioning, providing leadership to the executive staff and promotion of a philosophy consistent with the mission of the agency while employing sound business practices. In addition to serving as president/CEO, Bob is serving as interim chief financial officer.

The CFO has fiscal responsibility for the entire agency, including the preparation and presentation of all internal and external financial statements including third party reimbursement reports, proforma financial statements for new projects and the annual agency budget. The CFO supervises the accounting  department; serves as staff liaison to the Audit/Finance committees and SpiriTrust Lutheran® Board of Directors; and represents the agency on joint ventures and subsidiary relationships as needed. The CFO designs and implements financial strategies and leads financial forecasting for the agency.

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected] | 717.854.3971 (phone) | 717.852.0900 (fax)

Education: 
Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Administration (cum laude), Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
CPA (1982-present)

Professional Awards or Honors:
LeadingAge PA, Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award (2015)

Professional Affiliations: 
CEN-PANPHA, board chair (2007-2010)
LeadingAge PA, board member (2006-2012)
Lutheran Planned Giving, chair (2009-2012)
Lutheran Services in America (LSA) Planned Lutheran Network Committee (1996-present) American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (1985-present)
PA Institute of Certified Public Accountant (1985-present)
Lutheran Disaster Response Advisory Committee (2010-2016)
Kairos Health Systems, past chair
Medical Assistance Long-Term Services & Support Advisory Committee (2015-present)

Carol D. Hess, MS
Senior Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer

As a member of the executive cabinet, Carol serves as a strategic business partner to the CEO, the entire executive leadership team and other key managers, not only filling the traditional role of HR leadership at SpiriTrust Lutheran, but also understanding the services we provide, the people we serve and those who serve in order to manage and mentor throughout the agency. Specifically, Carol is responsible for (1) building a high quality work environment and attracting and retaining world-class talent; (2) providing strategic leadership to the communications team for both internal and external audiences across all service lines; (3) ensuring coordination of external communication between all service lines and support services; (4) providing strategic leadership to the information technology team both internally and externally; and (5) providing leadership to the agency in the absence of the CEO.

Carol works with her colleagues in supporting the business objectives of the agency and ensuring excellent services to all internal and external customers. She ensures compliance with appropriate policy, procedures and internal controls to limit risk to the organization, ensures legal and regulatory compliance in all areas of responsibility including compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations and keeps senior leadership informed of any legal issues.

Contact:
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971, ext. 10438 (phone) | 717.854.2635 (fax)

Education:
Bachelor of Science, Applied Math and Economics, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA (1982)
Master of Business Administration, Administrative Management, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA (1987)

Professional Awards or Honors:
HR Executive Magazine, Human Resources Honor Roll, 1991
Central Penn Business Journal, Best 50 Women in Business, 1990

Community Volunteerism:
Brethern Village Board of Directors vice chair (present)
Brethern Benefits Trust Board of Directors member (2009-present)
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors chair (2000)
United Way of Lancaster County Board of Directors Chair (1998-2000) and County-Wide Campaign Chair (1996)

Community Awards:
United Way of America, Children’s Champion Award, 2005
Working Mother Magazine, Working Mother of the Year, 1992

Melissa Frownfelter, MBA, NHA
Chief Operating Officer

As a member of the executive cabinet, the chief operating officer (COO) oversees the strategic planning, operations, external relations, and clinical and maintenance functions of the agency. As COO, Melissa is responsible for ensuring those we serve receive the highest quality health and human services by visioning, exploring, recommending and implementing high quality care and services. She implements strategies to achieve the goals set forth in the agency’s annual operating plan and ensures compliance with all operating standards, procedures and regulations across all service lines.

Melissa provides strategic leadership to the life plan communities, clinical excellence team, facilities management and sales and marketing team. She works closely with the Office of Philanthropy to insure philanthropic goals for each service line are adequately established. Melissa also performs additional duties at the bequest of the President/CEO, including representing the agency in the greater community throughout our service area; attending board of director and advisory committee meetings; and keeping the President/CEO informed of any situations or developments that could affect the agency.

Contact:
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971, ext. 10415 or 717.854.2879 (phone)
717.852.0900 (fax)

Education:
Bachelor of Science, Business Management, York College of Pennsylvania
Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses:
Executive Certification in Business Administration, University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business
PA Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
PA Approved Personal Care Administrator
Certified Dementia Practitioner

Community Volunteerism:
CARE, Ltd. (Communities Achieving Retirement Excellence), Lancaster, PA, member, Board of Directors

Crystal L. Hull, ABC, MPA
Vice President of Communications & Public Relations

Crystal is responsible for managing the vision and execution of the agency’s internal and external communications and public relations program, including corporate brand awareness and management; media relations, crisis and issues management; communications counseling; community relations; event planning; and social media. She also plays an integral role in overall agency marketing efforts. In addition, she provides leadership to the agency-wide communications-public relations-marketing advisory group; serves as the webmaster for five agency-related sites; is the managing editor of the corporate magazine and team member newsletter; and provides leadership to the communications team.

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA  17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971 (phone)

Education: 
Masters in Public Administration, Pennsylvania State University (Middletown, PA)
Bachelor of Arts, Communications/Journalism, Shippensburg University (Shippensburg, PA)

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), International Association of Business Communicators

Professional Affiliations: 
Shippensburg University: Adjunct Faculty – Department of Communications/Journalism (2016)

Pennsylvania Public Relations Society (1993-present), Nominating and Professional Standards Committee (2018-2019)), President (2017), Vice President (2016), Secretary (2015),Treasurer (2014), Student Development Chair (2012), Special Events Co-Chair (2011), Publicity Chair (2010), Membership Chair (2009), Programming Co-Chair (2008)

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), member (1989-present), local chapter Accreditation Mentoring Program Co-Developer & Mentor (November 2006-present), IABC Past Presidents “Communicator of the Year’ Nomination and Review Committee (1994-present), Accreditation Program District III Written Test Examiner & Proctor (1996-1999), National Delegate (1993-1994), President (1992-1993), Vice President for Communication (1989, 1991-1992), Co-Coordinator – Membership Directory (1990, 1991 & 1992), Awards Presentation Committee (1988 & 1989)

LeadingAge PA

Professional Awards or Honors: 
2017 Pennsylvania Public Relations Society’s Robert M. Fisher Recruitment Award
2012 Pennsylvania Public Relations Society’s Ernest R. McDowell Award for Excellence in Public Relations
IABC Gold Quill Awards Mentor (2012)
Co-Author, Instructor Handbook for IABC Handbook of Organizational Communication (2011)
HealthAmerica Fellowship for Academic Excellence (2004-2005)
Daniel P. Poore, Penn State Harrisburg Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society of Public Affairs and Administration (2004)
IABC Awards: District III Award for Overall Achievement (1995), Bronze Capital Award for Media Relations (1995), District III Par Excellence Award for leadership as president of local chapter (1993), District III Winner’s Circle Award for Video Production (1992), Gold Capital Award for Media Relations (1992), Gold Capital Award for Promotion (1991).

Community Volunteerism: 
Alzheimer’s Association, Harrisburg Walk Co-Chair – Marketing & Outreach Committee (2016)
West Shore Elks Club

Dhaval Patel, BS, Vice President of Home Care & Hospice

Dhaval is responsible for the overall operations for SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice and development of high-level strategies that supports the mission and values of the agency.

Contact:
2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA  17202
717.217.3515 (phone) | 717.655.8407 (cell) | 717.264.6347 (fax)
[email protected]

Education: Bachelor of Science, Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA)

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses:
Certified Specialist Business Intelligence (CSBI)
Hospice Compliance Certificate Program
Certified Specialist Accounting and Finance (CSAF)
Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)
Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)

Professional Affiliations:
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
National Partnership for Hospice Innovation (NPHI)
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

Deborah J. Strong, MS, CFRE, CSP
Vice President of Philanthropy

The VP of Philanthropy connects donors to the agency’s programs with the goal of increasing the impact of philanthropy on every person served by SpiriTrust Lutheran.

Contact:
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, PA 17404 | [email protected]
717.854.3522 (phone) |

Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish, Central College (Pella, IA)
Masters of Science, Communication Management, Simmons University (Boston, MA)

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses:
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
Certified Stewardship Professional (CSP)

Nicole Watson, RN
Vice President of Clinical Excellence

Nicole is responsible for the overall development, implementation and coordination of programs to assure quality of care and healthcare related services provided within the life plan communities and community health services. Nicole works with clinical leaders on the development of best practices and adherence to regulatory requirements. She also is tasked with clinical education and works closely with other leaders in executing operational plans.

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA  17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971, ext. 10446 (phone)

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Juniata College
Associates Degree in Nursing, PA College of Health Sciences

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
Registered Nurse (RN), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Wound Care Certified
QAPI Certified
Certified Dementia Practitioner

Melissa Williams, BS, CASP
Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Melissa is responsible for the oversight and management of the agency’s marketing and sales program for senior living, home care & hospice and LIFE, including the development and implementation of short-term and long-term strategies to achieve realistic and attainable revenue and expense projections; plans to achieve agency occupancy and admission goals; advertising and collateral material development for all three service areas; and management and integration of external vendor relationships. She plays an integral role in the agency’s strategic planning process as a trusted advisor on expansion planning, repositioning of communities and renovation of product offerings. She also is a member of the agency’s project development team for new products and service line opportunities. In addition, she provides leadership to the sales team through coaching, mentoring and the development of community-specific marketing plans and is responsible for maintaining an accurate and current awareness of the competitive market and industry trends.

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected]heran.org
717.854.3971 ext. 10419 (phone) | 717.852.0900 (fax)

Education: 
Bachelor of Science in Education, Millersville University, Millersville PA

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
Certified Aging Services Professional National Certification Program (CASP)
Marketing Professional Certification (CMP)

Professional Affiliations: 
Marketing and Public Relations Society
SMEI
LeadingAge PA
LeadingAge
APCA & PALA

Professional Awards or Honors:
Complete Healthcare Resources Partners Award 2003, 2006

Community Volunteerism: 
Leadership Lebanon Valley Board Member (2009-present)
Senior Outreach Services – Steering Committee (2008-present)
American Business Women’s Association

Blake Bradish, PT, DPT
Director, SpiriTrust Lutheran^® LIFE

Blake is responsible for directing the overall operation of the LIFE program, ensuring compliance with operating policies, procedures and regulatory requirements, and assuring growth and success of the program.

Contact: 
840 Fifth Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17202
[email protected]
717.387.0697 (cell) | 717.264.3279 (fax)

Education: 
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Gannon University, Erie, PA

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses:

• Licensed Physical Therapist, Pennsylvania
• Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
• Exercise Is Medicine Credential Level 3 (EIM3)
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment Level 1 (SFMA)
• Y Balance Test (YBT)

Pam Conrad
Executive Director of SpiriTrust Lutheran^®, The Village at Kelly Drive

Pam is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Village at Kelly Drive. With a focused emphasis on resident satisfaction, she leads a team of key department managers in implementing the operational goals and programs for the community. She is also responsible for the development of a community operational plan that includes aligned efforts to achieve the system-wide strategic initiatives. Pam works with the senior vice president/chief operating officer to establish budget and occupancy goals for each level of resident living at the community. Regulatory compliance and the delivery of quality, resident-centered care are under her scope of responsibilities.

Contact: 
750 Kelly Drive, York, PA 17404
[email protected]
717.848.2585 (phone) | 717.852.8600 (fax)

Education: 
Licensed Practical Nurse, Greater Johnstown School of Nursing, Johnstown, PA

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
Personal Care Home Administrator

Professional Affiliations: 
Association of Personal Care Home Administrators (APCA), member (2009 – present)

Jill Flasher, Executive Director of SpiriTrust Lutheran^®, The Village at Sprenkle Drive

As executive director (ED), Jill is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Village at Sprenkle Drive. With a focused emphasis on resident satisfaction, she leads a team of department managers in implementing the operational goals and programs for the community. Responsibilities include the development of a community operational plan that includes aligned efforts to achieve the system-wide strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance and the delivery of quality, resident-centered care. Jill also works with the senior vice president/chief operating officer to establish budget and occupancy goals for each level of resident living at the community.

Contact: 
1802 Folkemer Circle, York, PA 17404
[email protected]

Professional Affiliations:
LeadingAge
LeadingAge PA

Bonnie Garner
Controller, SpiriTrust Lutheran®

Contact:
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected] 
717.854.3971, ext 10410 (phone) |717.852.0900

Rachel Herrington
Executive Director of SpiriTrust Lutheran^®, The Village at Luther Ridge

Rachel Herrington is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Village at Luther Ridge. With a focused emphasis on resident satisfaction, she leads a team of key department managers in implementing the operational goals and programs for the community. She is also responsible for the development of a community operational plan that includes aligned efforts to achieve the system-wide strategic initiatives. Rachel works with the senior vice president/chief operating officer to establish budget and occupancy goals for each level of resident living at the community. Regulatory compliance and the delivery of quality, resident-centered care are under Rachel’s scope of responsibilities.

Contact:
2998 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202
[email protected] 
717.264.5700 (phone) | 717.267.0507 (fax)

Education: 
Bachelor of Science, State University of New York at Brockport, Brockport, NY

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
Personal Care Administrator License
Certified Aging Services Professional
Certified Dementia Practitioner

Liz Keller
Corporate Director of Compliance

Liz oversees and monitors the compliance program, serves as the privacy officer, assures a safe workplace for each business location and develops and maintains appropriate emergency preparedness plans.

Contact: 
2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202
[email protected]
717.217.3502 (phone) | 717.264.6347 (fax)

Education:
Business and Accounting, Hagerstown Community College

Professional Affiliations:
Healthcare Compliance Association

Professional Awards or Honors:
Karen Rohaly Award

Jan Kessel
Executive Director of SpiriTrust Lutheran^®, The Village at Shrewsbury

Jan is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Village at Shrewsbury. With a focused emphasis on resident satisfaction, she leads a team of key department managers in implementing the operational goals and programs for the community. She is also responsible for the development of a community operational plan that includes aligned efforts to achieve the system-wide strategic initiatives. Jan works with the agency’s senior vice president/chief operating officer to establish budget and occupancy goals for each level of resident living at the community. Regulatory compliance and the delivery of quality, resident-centered care are under Jan’s scope of responsibilities.

Contact:
800 Bollinger Drive, Shrewsbury, PA 17361
[email protected] 
717.227.3000 (phone) | 717.227.8079 (fax)

Sieara Lohss
Corporate Director of Billing and Reimbursement

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA  17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971 (phone) | 717.852.0900 (fax)

Sieara is responsible for all billing and reimbursement for our Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Cottages, Apartments and Personal Care facilities. She has an excellent track record for resolving problems, improving customer satisfaction and driving overall improved processes. Her years of experiences helps her understands the reimbursement issues from both the clients perspective and from the payer side.

Michelle Loucks
Executive Director of SpiriTrust Lutheran^®, The Village at Gettysburg

Michelle Loucks is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Village at Gettysburg. With a focused emphasis on resident satisfaction, she leads a team of key department managers in implementing the operational goals and programs for the community. She is also responsible for the development of a community operational plan that includes aligned efforts to achieve the system-wide strategic initiatives. Michelle works with the senior vice president/chief operating officer to establish budget and occupancy goals for each level of resident living at the community. Regulatory compliance and the delivery of quality, resident-centered care are under Michelle’s scope of responsibilities.

Contact:
1075 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
[email protected] 
717.334.6204, ext. 40109 (phone) | 717.334.5081 (fax)

Stephanie Lux
Corporate Director of Facilities

Stephanie is responsible for the overall oversight of the buildings and grounds for six life plan communities and the Heusner Office Center, plus new construction and remodeling projects. She assists in capitol budgeting, preventive maintenance programs and facilities purchasing. She is responsible to insure that the life plan communities are compliant with all Life Safety regulations and have current and effective disaster plans. Stephanie is an active participant in the organization’s safety program. She works with the senior vice president/chief operating officer and the life plan community executive directors by assisting in design and coordinating construction services.

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971 ext. 10428 (phone) | 717.852.0900 (fax)

Lisa Mayes
Director of Information Technology

Lisa manages the information technology operations for SpiriTrust Lutheran^®.

Contact: 
2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA  17202
[email protected]
717.217.3512 (phone) | 717.264.3597 (fax)

Education:
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts, Finance, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA

Community Volunteerism: 
Chambersburg Chamber Foundation, Leadership Franklin County Graduate (2006)

Marcia Waters
Executive Director of SpiriTrust Lutheran^®, The Village at Utz Terrace

Marcia is responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Village at Utz Terrace. With a focused emphasis on resident satisfaction, she leads a team of key department managers in implementing the operational goals and programs for the community. She is also responsible for the development of a community operational plan that includes aligned efforts to achieve the system-wide strategic initiatives. Marcia works with the senior vice president/chief operating officer to establish budget and occupancy goals for each level of resident living at the community. Regulatory compliance and the delivery of quality, resident-centered care are under Marcia’s scope of responsibilities.

Contact:
2100 Utz Terrace Hanover, PA 17331
[email protected]
717.637.0633 (phone) | 717.646.2550 (fax)

Education: 
Bachelor of Social Work, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, Hawaii
Master of Social Work, Temple University, Harrisburg, PA
Master of Business Administration, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD

Accreditation/Certifications/Licenses: 
Nursing Home Administrator, Certified Aging Services Professional, Certified Eden Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Academy of Certified Social Workers

Professional Affiliations: 
LeadingAge PA – Leadership PANPHA Steering Committee and 2010 Class of Fellows coach
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Leadership – Class of 2009
National Association of Social Workers (1998-present)

Melissa Widener
Corporate Director of Human Resources

Melissa provides oversight to all seven agency-wide HR coordinators, as well as the payroll function at Home Care & Hospice. In addition, she oversees all daily HR operations and provides support to the leadership teams at our life plan communities, Home Care & Hospice and LIFE.

Contact: 
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA 17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971, ext. 10432 (phone) | 717.854.2635 (fax)

Chris Whitley
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO

Chris is responsible for assisting and providing administrative support for the President/CEO, other Executive Cabinet members and the Board of Directors.  She performs duties as a Pennsylvania Notary Public and organizes the daily operations of the executive office.  In addition, she supervises the agency’s receptionist.

Contact:
1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, York, PA, 17404
[email protected]
717.854.3971, ext. 10410 (phone) | 717.852.0900 (fax)

Education:
Carshalton College, Carshalton, Surrey, England
Higher National Diploma in Business Studies