Gretchen Vakiener has over 25 years experience working with seniors in the long-term care industry. She started her career as a licensed nursing home administrator in Connecticut, Indiana and Ohio working with Life Care Services, based in Des Moines, Iowa. With LCS, she managed skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and memory care units and was the Executive Director of Friendship Village of Columbus, a Life Care Community in Columbus, Ohio with over 430 residents. Gretchen joined Heritage Senior Living as the Executive Director that opened Traditions of Hanover in Bethlehem, PA. She successfully reached 100% occupancy and in 2010 became part of the management team as a Regional Director of Operations. In 2013, Gretchen accepted the newly-formed Vice President of Sales and Marketing position. She serves as part of the Executive Committee and has led Heritage Senior Living through intentional growth over the last 15 years.