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Leadership

Leadership

A Brand for the Ages

Leadership

A Brand for the Ages

Home > Leadership

REIMAGINING SENIOR LIVING


MorningStar Senior Living is a leading developer, owner and operator of premier communities within the senior living landscape.

Our portfolio encompasses 40+ communities in operation or under development representing 5,000+ units with an ownership interest in the majority. Whether for a new build, acquisition or turnaround property, MorningStar consistently delivers operating margins above industry norms and exceptional overall returns to investors and partners.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, MorningStar executives support local operations with a significant degree of touch and an array of centralized resources for its geographic footprint in the western half of the U.S. (Find Your MorningStar). Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, MorningStar is privileged to elevate life for those who taught the rest of us how to live.



LEADERSHIP BIOGRAPHIES

KEN JAEGER

FOUNDER/CEO
Ken Jaeger founded MorningStar Senior Living on a basic, but profound truth: to honor God in all aspects of our business practices and relationships, which transcends to a superior quality of life for MorningStar’s residents. With a principled approach and adherence to our original mission, MorningStar has enjoyed prodigious growth since inception. As a reflection of that success, Ken was named a recipient of the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 award in the Mountain Desert region in the Healthcare and Lifesciences category.

Ken brings over 25 years of operational experience in the senior living industry, including successful startups, acquisitions, turnaround of distressed properties and multi-site leadership. Earlier in his career, he held executive level positions where he was responsible for operating 50 communities in the western United States. From 1998 to 2002, Ken served as VP of Operations for Sunrise Senior Living, where he was responsible for the successful startup of 17 new communities.
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Heavily involved in serving the poor around the world, he has given much of his time and resources over the last twelve years to building, funding and serving at an orphanage in Nicaragua and in providing clean drinking water in Ethiopia and other African countries. Read more at Serving Globally. Ken attended University of Minnesota at Moorhead where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Care.

MATTHEW TURNER

MANAGING PARTNER
Matt Turner and Ken Jaeger were drawn to each other as business partners as much by their complementary skills in senior care as by their shared calling to serve the poor in developing nations. (More on that at www.morningstarseniorliving.com/foundation)

Their united efforts have propelled MorningStar to national prominence as a brand that is successfully blending margin and mission. The platform has become a fully integrated developer, owner and operator of first-class senior living communities.

Today Matt serves as Managing Partner of MorningStar and Ovation, MorningStar’s affiliated real estate investment and development arm, which he founded in 2011. Under his leadership, the portfolio has grown to over 30 properties in the western half of the U.S., comprising over 4,000 units for independent and assisted living and memory care.
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Before joining MorningStar, Matt held various positions in private equity, real estate development and consulting, beginning his career with Arthur Andersen and Deloitte. He is a certified public accountant (inactive), and completed undergraduate and graduate studies in accounting and business.

Matt invests time in several non-profit boards, including ACE Scholarships and Denver Institute for Faith and Work. He was selected in 2018 as one of Denver’s “40 under 40” by The Denver Business Journal and as a “Senior Living Leader under 40” by Argentum. He is an active member of the Colorado Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a graduate of the Leadership Denver program.

Managing Partner Matt Turner describes the powerful blend of Mission and Margin that has made MorningStar successful.

STEVE H. MARTIN

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As Chief Operating Officer, Steve Martin brings to MorningStar 36 years of experience in senior housing and long-term care. Through executive positions with several major brands Steve has proven himself to be a creative, culture-driven leader, recognized for superior performance in functional management, increased sales, operating income, market penetration and customer service.

Steve speaks to his underlying motivation: “Boyhood summers were spent with my grandparents in East Tennessee. My deep admiration and love for “Mamaw” and “Papaw” was formative not only of my character but of my life’s work. In college I sealed my professional path on discovering a new program in the School of Business for Long-Term Care Administration, the first of its kind in the nation.
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Following graduation from Southern Adventist University in Chattanooga, TN, Steve entered his chosen field, promoting through the ranks of Apple Healthcare in Atlanta to become Regional Director of Operations. Three years later he joined Laing Properties as Director of Senior Housing, managing communities throughout the Southeast. For Atria Senior Living he served as Regional Director of the Southeast Division, moving on to Alterra Healthcare as Senior Regional Director of Operations.

In 2001 he began a 19-year journey with Brookdale as Senior VP of Regional Operations, overseeing 90 communities. Over the last few years he served as COO for Harmony Senior Services in Charleston, SC, leading operations for 42 communities, and as Chief of Strategic Growth for ProsperCare, proprietary software focused on recruiting in senior care.

Of the population he strives to serve, Steve remarks, “Seniors teach me wisdom to pray and carefully weigh important decisions; to listen more than you speak; and to seek understanding of other’s opinions and ideas.” And of colleagues he strives to lead, “I work diligently to embody the qualities essential to team-building: a tenacious spirit, a servant’s heart, and a contagious energy that builds a fun and supportive workplace.”

Steve was powerfully drawn to MorningStar on seeing its guiding principle is based on honoring God. “People need to be supported and coached in how to be successful. That success is made possible only in a culture-rich environment where servant-leaders model the Golden Rule of treating others the way you would want to be treated.”


TRACY JAEGER

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER
Joining MorningStar in 2022 is as clear a divine appointment as any Tracy Jaeger has experienced. “As a woman of faith, to be in a setting where I can speak to those motivations, to be part of a company with a soul…well, there is no doubt I have found that unparalleled opportunity here at MorningStar.”

As to seniors, close relationships with the elders in her family significantly shaped Tracy’s childhood. She was impacted by a strong bond with Great Aunt Anne and Uncle Frank. “They encouraged me always and loved me unconditionally.” In later years, watching her mother struggle through the challenges of advanced age, Tracy’s respect for seniors deepened, as did the desire to return to them the respect and rewards they so richly deserve.

As Chief Strategy Officer, Tracy brings to MorningStar Senior Living a deep reservoir of knowledge in healthcare, marketing and strategy-driven leadership. Hers is a 20-year career in building strong partnerships that leverage the full capabilities of an enterprise for customer-centric, profitable growth. Tracy delights in using data to discover the path forward, combining intuitive creativity with strong analytics and a holistic understanding of the voice of the customer, all to open areas of greatest opportunity.
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She is formally trained and a passionate advocate of “Lean Process Improvement,” earning a Bronze Certification in that well-reputed practice for achieving goals through root-cause analysis, waste elimination and cost efficiencies. With her trained eye on continuous improvement, Tracy challenges the status quo, engages key stakeholders, listens intently to points of view, and builds consensus.

Entering the healthcare field in 1998, Tracy applied her skills first at Allina Health in Minneapolis with its 34,000 employees and physicians. There she worked ten years in marketing and brand strategy. The next seven years were invested at HealthEast in St. Paul, an organization of 8000, where from a marketing seat she advanced into strategic planning and customer experience, rising to Vice President in her final two years. Most recently she served as Chief Strategy Officer and Senior VP of Strategy and System Development for Essentia Health in Duluth, MN, whose holdings included senior living communities.

She holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Dickinson State University with a triple concentration in marketing, management and finance.

ERIC SPENCER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Eric Spencer offers this on his calling to serve, “Seniors have mentored me throughout my life, helping me in times of need with critical decisions. Carrying their words of wisdom, I’ve replayed them in my mind when seeking the best path. My Grandmother Jocelyn was an inspiration in many ways by her modeling of how to give, love and connect with others. She put a lot of energy into keeping our family close, which returned great joy to her and everyone around her. Mine is a deep respect and strong connection with seniors. I’m honored to be in a position that serves them through giving back.”

Eric’s career in finance and accounting spans over 25 years. Early in his career, at Great West Life, he led a financial analysis team that identified and corrected system issues that impacted clients group health insurance plans. Next, he served as Assistant VP of Budgeting and Forecasting and as Assistant Controller for GMAC/CapMark which ranked #3 on the Fortune 500. There, Eric performed modeling and forecasting within its real estate investment banking division.
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As Manager of Accounting for AIMCO, a Fortune 100 company in the REIT sector, Eric handled the complex accounting for over $2 Billion of dispositions and other transactions such as acquisitions, tenders, mergers and 1031 exchanges. In subsequent years he served as VP of Finance and Accounting for a private equity firm with assets of $400MM in gross value and $50MM in annual revenue. As Senior VP and Controller of a residential mortgage loan servicer, Eric oversaw the accounting and finance departments with a staff of 25. His last position was CFO of SALT Lending, a FinTech company offering innovative blockchain-backed lending solutions and products.

Eric was drawn to MorningStar Senior Living by its alignment in mission and purpose. “MorningStar’s core values echo through its halls, reminding and guiding the team in our joint calling. These principles build and perpetuate a healthy culture that extends far beyond simple profitability measurements.” For Eric, there is pride in being a part of a company that understands the importance of seniors living their years in a community filled with loving care, security, warmth and fun.

He earned a BA in economics at Rutgers University and an MBA at the University of Louisville, and holds an active Colorado CPA license.

CHRIS LIVESAY

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Chris Livesay joined MorningStar in January 2020 as VP of Human Resources, becoming Chief HR Officer in April 2023. Remarks Chris, “MorningStar leadership is clear in its shared vision and mission, making this a culture where we’re encouraged to live by our Core Values: love, kindness, honesty, goodness, fairness and respect.

An accomplished and impassioned professional, Chris has worked in his chosen field since 2001, managing the many facets of human resources for companies with upwards of 50,000 employees. Among them have been nonprofits and property management firms with multi-state operations. For a year he was Director of HR for PreCare, engaged in the design of safe workplaces, then investing another two years as Regional HR Director for a large hospice. For five years Chris was HR Director for PASCO, a home healthcare company with 1700 employees.
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“In that time,” says Chris, “I’ve seen that success is almost always rooted in good people aligned toward a common goal. I feel blessed to help with those initiatives at MorningStar, where the common goal is loving and caring for seniors. The beauty of serving is not just what you give but what you receive in exchange. Nothing brings me more joy than being in a community and sharing a meaningful moment with residents. Their wisdom, perspective and authenticity inspire me.”

Chris’ best childhood memories trace back to Grandma Bea. “As a boy, I thought every grandparent was like her, only later realizing I’d won the lottery. She modeled how to love and serve God, how to be silly, how to treat others, how to write a letter…and how to be a gracious loser at Checkers.”

At MorningStar, Chris has implemented tools and systems to increase HR and community efficiencies with recruiting, screening and onboarding a high volume of candidates; developed KPIs to align HR operations and measure healthy personnel functions; restructured the HR department to support rapid growth patterns; and redesigned comprehensive benefit plans.

His undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership was earned at Purdue University with a Master’s of Divinity from Denver Seminary. He is a certified Senior Professional In Human Resources (SPHR).

BRANDON LESNIAK

CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Brandon Lesniak joined MorningStar as Senior VP of Investments in 2017 and in 2022 he was promoted to Chief Investment Officer. In his nearly 20-year Senior Living career, he’s operated and/or managed over $5 billion of real estate assets, 500+ communities and 50+ developments across the US. Over his career, he’s lead development, acquisitions, capital structuring, underwriting and asset management.

“I want to be a part of something that’s more than a thriving business enterprise. My personal values insist upon it, and MorningStar is on such a course. Our values are more than just words, our authenticity and integrity are at the root of what we do, and our faith and actions are there for all to see. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished thus far together and I’m proud to work alongside a team that’s committed to hold ourselves to the highest standard. Read More
His introduction to senior living started with HCR-ManorCare working in marketing and operations at the communities before expanding to a regional role throughout the Midwest. “While I enjoyed the business model of post-acute and long-term care, what impacted me the most was seeing the goodness of people, caregivers going above and beyond to do the right thing and become family to the residents. That was inspiring. I knew this was where I wanted to invest my own skills.”

Brandon then joined Welltower (formerly Healthcare REIT) as Vice President of Investments where he led a team from underwriting through asset management resulting in $3 billion of real estate assets and 400+ properties over a five-year span. The following two years Brandon served as Vice President for PNC Real Estate, and prior to joining MorningStar, Brandon served as Senior Vice President of Senior Living and Healthcare for Kirco. Brandon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Michigan State University and earned an MBA from the University of Detroit–Mercy.

JAVI ARCENEAUX

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
As Executive VP of Sales Javi Arceneaux is responsible for driving sales strategy and growth initiatives, leveraging 15 years in senior housing sales and operations, real estate, project management, financial analysis, asset management and business development. Throughout her career, Javi has demonstrated a keen ability to build and lead high-performance teams whose solid strategic performance drives revenue, increases market share and improves profitability.

With positive intensity and a dynamic style, she approaches challenges head-on and leads with heart. The exceptional results of her teams are a credit to Javi’s analytical skills rooted in a focus on healthy, collaborative culture.
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Before joining MorningStar, Javi held executive roles at several leading brands including Atria, Holiday and Sunrise. At each she was instrumental in driving revenue growth and improving sales operations. She cut her teeth as a local Director of Community Relations for Sunrise Senior Living, where she first experienced the joy of senior advocacy through exceptional customer service and dedication to helping older adults live better. As a Regional Director of Sales and Operations at Holiday Retirement, Javi supported teams that won awards for outstanding growth and performance. She also served variously as Regional Director of Sales, Regional Director of Operations, Vice President and Senior Vice President, scaling her portfolio from 12 communities to over 150.

Javi graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Political Science, later receiving an Executive MBA with a focus on Strategic Planning from Golden Gate University. She is committed to continuing education and has received certification from Cornell University in Asset Management. She also holds an RCFE license from the State of California.

One of the reasons Javi was drawn to MorningStar is its commitment to supporting the Casa Bernabe orphanage in Nicaragua, where she was born before immigrating to the U.S. at two years old. Javi is an enthused volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry and with Cake 4 Kids, baking designer cakes for children living in shelters and foster care. “I’m strongly committed to giving back in thanks for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon me.”

MELISSA CLEMENT, RN, MSN

SVP, WELLNESS
Melissa Clement traces her calling to serve seniors to the grandparents who figured large in her girlhood in small town Nebraska. In high school, Melissa became a certified nurse aide, soaking up more of the wisdom seniors have to offer. “Through the years they have taught me the importance of relationships, to never take a moment for granted, to embrace the days.”

Melissa joined MorningStar in 2020 with proven executive leadership in project management, staffing, budgeting and finance, team building, strategic planning and decision making. She reflects, “I was drawn by the company’s core values and its emphasis on servant-leadership. Ours is such a collaborative team, always looking for the next opportunity to improve.”

First as a Regional, now as Senior Vice President, Melissa engages in multi-state oversight of clinical programs, works with risk management to strengthen resident outcomes, implements QAPI programs and coaches a growing team of nurses and care managers in 11 states.
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Skilled and dedicated in regulatory compliance, Melissa has led our communities through countless (often deficiency-free) surveys. She is passionate about elevating clinical training and education, and advancing MorningStar’s wellness initiatives.

The early years of her career were invested in large hospital settings before transitioning to senior care in 2018. Melissa is a member of the Colorado Health Care Association, Assisted Living Nursing Association, Colorado State Nursing Association and American Nurses Association. For the last eight years, she has found satisfaction in volunteering with YHC Clinic, a free public health center in Metro Denver.

Melissa earned her BSN degree from Platt College School of Nursing, three years later earning a Master’s in Nursing Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is a certified dementia practitioner.
“Every once in a while I get to work with and meet people who have something very special and very right going on. There is a tone here at MorningStar and you can feel it. I want to congratulate you for that, and encourage you to move forward. And keep doing it.” – Dr. Nathan Mellor, Strata Leadership

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BRIDGE LOANS

It’s not uncommon for families to be short on funds when transitioning a loved one into a senior community. The ElderLife Bridge Loan allows you to pay for rent and care in the short term while waiting for other funds to come in. Common financial shortfalls include the time that it takes to list and sell a home, or the waiting period before receiving VA Benefits.

The Bridge Loan is designed like a line of credit, bridging the financial shortfall for up to 12 months. The loan is unsecured (no collateral needed) and approved quickly with no penalty for early payoff and affordable interest payments as low as $8 per $1000 borrowed.

To learn more about the ElderLife Bridge Loan, call 877.664.1710 or Click Here.

REVERSE MORTGAGE

When one partner needs assisted living, and the other partner chooses to remain living in a private home, a reverse mortgage may be a good solution to help pay for increased expenses. Without affecting Medicare or Social Security benefits, reverse mortgages allow a homeowner to stay in the home and withdraw from the equity that the couple has built. Mortgage holders get tax-free cash flow as a loan against that equity, a loan that doesn’t need to be repaid until the house is sold or the owner moves out or dies.

Be sure to vet lenders and their terms thoroughly before making any decision. If you would like to be connected to a trusted, licensed reverse mortgage partner, call 877.664.1710.

LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

Long-term care insurance helps pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering expenses up to the amounts set forth in the policy. LTC insurance pays for a variety of services in senior communities, and can offer care options that may not be covered through the federal subsidies of Medicare and Medicaid (see below section).

LTC policies can be complex and it may be difficult to understand and activate your policy. If you have questions about your Long-term Care policy, call 877.664.1710 to be connected with an expert for a free policy review.

SELLING THE HOME

The equity built up in a private home is typically a retiree’s largest asset, making the proceeds from selling extremely helpful when transitioning to a senior community. However, selling a home in a timely manner can be challenging and time-consuming. This is especially true when adult children are not living near to assist.

Many families find it helpful to work with a Real Estate Professional experienced with all aspects of selling a senior’s home. From packing and cleaning to listing and selling, ElderLife’s agents are ready to assist with the entire process to simplify a senior transition. To be connected with a local agent, call 877.664.1710.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Approach Social Security (SS) benefits tactically. Historically, it was wise to take SS benefits early and invest them. Today, that’s not necessarily so. Maximized benefits may best be found through delayed retirement credits. Depending on your birth year, benefits increase by 3-8% annually. If you wait until age 70 to collect, that monthly check could increase by 25% or more. And a surviving spouse receives the entirety of that benefit upon the worker’s death, making delayed retirement credits even more valuable. Study the new rules to choose your best course.
Click here for original source info.

MEDICARE

Think of Medicare as health insurance for those 65 years and older, regardless of income. While Medicare never pays for assisted living, it is designed to help fund certain postacute expenses in the first 100 days, namely hospitalization and rehab, as long as the person’s health is improving.
Once you’ve plateaued, Medicare stops paying.

Benefits may be available for home health care, but only if certain conditions are met. Medicare Part A covers hospice (palliative care) for the actively dying, regardless of income, including in a senior living community. Click here for original source info.

In contrast, Medicaid is a federal government program that subsidizes the medical expenses (including certain health services and nursing home care) for low income people of all ages. MorningStar does not accept Medicaid. Click here for more information.

LEVERAGE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

Whole life and universal life policies build a reserve of cash through interest-earning excess premiums (known as the policy’s “cash value”). In some situations, life insurance can be a source of ready funds through cash surrender, death benefit loans, accelerating death benefits, life (or viatical) settlements, or even selling the policy on the open market for immediate cash.

Before acting on any of these methods, consult a financial advisor, as there may be tax consequences. Life Care Funding can also help you determine whether a policy can be converted. Click Here

TAX BENEFITS

The IRS allows certain deductions on a federal tax return for the cost of housing and meals of those receiving long-term care in a senior community due to chronic illness or the inability to live alone.

Assisted living residents may qualify for these deductions if a physician certifies that they have been unable to perform at least two activities of daily living (such as eating, bathing or dressing) without assistance for at least 90 days. The same deductions can apply to those who require substantial supervision due to memory impairment.

An adult child paying for a parent’s care may also qualify for the tax deductions, if the child can claim the parent as a dependent. Consult a tax advisor for further information or visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Click Here.

COMPANION LIVING

MorningStar offers Companion Living in all of our communities, where two unrelated people of the same sex share a suite, whether in independent living, assisted living or memory care.

Not only does this living arrangement enhance life by its camaraderie, it also extends savings.

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