Hello, it’s nice to meet you

Jim Pusateri

Jim has over 25 years of experience in the senior living industry and was heavily involved in the early-stage growth of several significant senior living platforms, including those of Brookdale and Horizon Bay. Throughout his career, he has held various senior management positions in the industry with responsibility for oversight of sales and marketing, operations, hospitality, development, and human resources. He most recently served as the co-chief operating officer of Senior Lifestyle Corporation, an owner, operator, and developer of senior living communities with a portfolio of more than 180 properties. Previously, he was a senior vice president of sales at Brookdale, where he was responsible for strategic oversight of the sales teams at over 1,100 communities and developed large-scale training programs for the company.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communications from University of Kansas. Jim has been with both Green Courte and True Connection Communities since 2018.

What drew you to senior living?

“I believe being a part of senior living is a calling, and it called me the first time I walked into a retirement community. Starting out as a sales counselor, I still remember the first call I made to Betty. All these years later, I remember her phone number, her children’s names, her cat’s name (Samantha), just as I remember details about so many amazing people I have had the privilege of meeting over the years. These people have allowed me to see the world through an unusual and wonderful lens. Along with our employees, this community has become a vast, extended family for me, making me the luckiest guy around.”

Blaire Fritz

Blaire joins True Connection Communities with a 15-year career in progressive roles within some of the top senior living companies in the industry. At Sunrise Senior Living, she started in a community-based sales position before quickly advancing to a regional role. She became a senior regional sales and marketing director with Five Star Senior Living, and, most recently, served as the vice president of sales & marketing for Harbor Retirement Associates. Prior to senior living, Blaire began her marketing career at a rehabilitation hospital before joining a prestigious Washington, DC, area country club. She graduated cum laude from Clemson University with a degree in therapeutic management.

What drew you to senior living?

“I was lucky enough to have wonderful grandparents who spoiled me as a child. When the time came to help them move from their beloved home, I was right by their side touring communities. My grandparents chose their retirement community because of two things: a 5-cent cup of coffee they were offered on the tour, and the caring nature of the sales counselor, a person who would ultimately make a huge difference in their lives. The act of offering a simple cup of coffee to my grandfather, who loved his coffee, sent a welcome louder than any speech he heard at any community that day. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of other grandparents and became a sales counselor myself. I have offered many cups of coffee through the years, and I like to think that I have been making a difference in the lives of seniors ever since.”

Brian O’Neill

Brian has over 25 years of senior care and housing experience, serving in leadership roles. He joined True Connection Communities in January of 2019 as national director of community maintenance. Prior to that, he worked at Brookdale Senior Living for 25 years, serving in many roles including divisional director property management, regional director property management and energy manager.

What drew you to senior living?

“Twenty-six years ago, I had the opportunity to start working in the senior living industry and have never looked back. I lost all four of my own grandparents by the time I was four years old. Impacting the quality of each of the lives of seniors I meet is so rewarding. I like to bring this generation of seniors the amenities they need today, and plan for the amenities that a future generation of seniors will want and need. When an upcoming renovation is on the horizon, I always consider both of those factors to ensure we meet seniors’ needs today and in future. Serving seniors is my true calling.”

Leslie Fisher

Leslie has over 25 years of hospitality experience working in both the food service and hotel industry. Throughout her career, she has been in leadership roles in Human Resources, Training and Development, and Operations. Prior to joining True Connection Communities, Leslie was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Training for Red Roof Inns where she was the strategic leader for brand culture, talent acquisition, compensation/benefits, employee relations and performance management for the company-managed portfolio of assets. Additionally, she was responsible for quality and talent development initiatives for 600+ company-managed and franchise locations across the brand.

Leslie has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wright State University. She has also  earned her SHRM-SCP (Society of Human Resource Management-Senior Certified Professional) and ATD-CPTD (Association for Talent Development-Certified Professional in Training and Development).

What drew you to senior living?

“Throughout my life I’ve always been passionate about the well-being of others and finding ways to make others feel special. Simple acts of kindness, compassion, a caring heart, and a genuine interest in others are gifts I know I can share. I treasure my memories with my grandparents – from pot roast Sundays to family photos taken on the living room couch, playing cards together, or a simple hug to warm the soul, I know that memories are formed in unexpected ways. The residents and staff at our senior living communities become family to us and I love being a part of the memories and stories shared.”

Marion Heard

Marion has 23 years of senior living experience working in Sales and Operations. Prior to joining True Connection Communities, she was an award-winning Executive Director with Five Star Senior Living.  Marion’s career also encompasses 14 years of senior housing sales director experience with Vi and Brookdale senior living.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in Recreation Therapy and worked with seniors in a hospital setting while in school.

What drew you to senior living?

“I have spent my entire career working with seniors.  It all started with volunteer hours needed for one of my college classes which led me to a local nursing home. I called Bingo, read newspapers, helped with feeding, and just talked with the seniors. The smiles and the brightness in their eyes when they saw me coming made my day. Thirty years later, I am still addicted to the feeling I get when I can make my senior residents happy.”

Cheryl Hartman

Cheryl has over 30 years of senior care and housing experience, serving in various leadership roles. Cheryl began her career in senior living as a community Sales Director where she was promoted to an Executive Director and then into regional operations. Cheryl continued her career with regional and national companies focusing on Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

What drew you to senior living?

“I was raised with my maternal grandmother living in our home. I watched and assisted my mother in providing care for my grandmother until the end of her life. This helped me to understand the aging process while gaining respect and appreciation for older adults. It is my privilege to work in our residents’ home and help to develop an environment full of joy while respecting the individual. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity to make a positive impact for seniors.”

Cynda Perun

Cynda has over 15 years of marketing experience in the areas of strategic planning, marketing content and communications, brand standardization, and more. She began her career in senior living at LCS, as the first marketing professional hired to direct and execute all marketing initiatives for the company’s group purchasing organization, Care Purchasing Services. Cynda earned a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Purdue University.

What drew you to senior living?

“As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I have always been drawn to helping others. Throughout my career, I have sought organizations where I can use my marketing knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of others. My time at LCS was formative in that I fell in love with the senior living industry and saw how senior living communities can create a better quality of life for older adults. I couldn’t be happier helping True Connection Communities provide a fun, engaging, and inspiring environment for all our current, and future, residents.”