--- title: "Under Interim Leader, United Methodist Communities Planning Next Chapter" url: https://burnaze.com/article/d90711e4-840c-4d9e-8e04-b2d9fe1d3994 source: "Senior Housing News" original_url: https://seniorhousingnews.com/2026/10/15/under-interim-leader-united-methodist-communities-planning-next-chapter/ author: "Andrew Christman" category: "Senior Care" industry: "Senior Care" published: 2026-10-15T20:02:57.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T13:15:54.168Z image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507679799987-c73779587ccf?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop --- # Under Interim Leader, United Methodist Communities Planning Next Chapter **TL;DR:** United Methodist Communities is preparing for a new president and CEO under the leadership of interim president and CEO Bob Peterson, who plans to continue growing the organization through renovations, partnerships, and expansions. The company is also addressing staffing concerns and affordability issues in the senior living industry. *By Andrew Christman, originally published in Senior Housing News on 2026-10-15. [Read the original](https://seniorhousingnews.com/2026/10/15/under-interim-leader-united-methodist-communities-planning-next-chapter/).* ## Story United Methodist Communities’ new interim leader is preparing the organization for success as it confirms a new president and CEO. Bob Peterson became the Neptune, New Jersey-based organization’s interim president and CEO at the end of September following the resignation of former President and CEO Mark Lenhard, who left to lead aging services organization Parker Health Group. Peterson has served as the organization’s chief financial officer since 2019, and will be among the candidates as the board looks to secure a permanent leader. Under his leadership, UMC will continue to look to grow in new areas, including by renovating existing communities, strengthening the partnerships of the UMC Foundation and expanding its home care network, Peterson told Senior Housing News. The company also could take on new development projects in the Garden State. “We’re really moving along. We have a great team with really no slowdown in our momentum at this point,” Peterson said. UMC leaders are expanding HomeWorks, the operator’s home health care service, to reach and connect with seniors in their homes while establishing a pipeline for potential future residents. The service is also available to residents residing within one of the organization’s four senior living communities and five affordable senior housing communities. Through HomeWorks, UMC can extend more services to middle-income older adults. The operator’s leaders are exploring ideas for new amenity-light developments where residents can contract care through HomeWorks. “[We’re looking at] providing it to people as they need it, and not having it all inclusive, because you know people can’t afford to necessarily pay for things that they don’t need,” Peterson said. “It’s going to be part of that solution in some form or fashion.” Alongside affordability issues, UMC is addressing staffing concerns, much like the rest of the senior living industry. The company hosts manager orientation workshops, which equips new leaders with the skills and confidence needed to lead successful teams. Peterson also noted UMC University, which provides ongoing professional development, education and career advancement. The company is this year and next rolling out a new recognition effort called Elevation Hospitality that recognizes staff members who exceed expectations. Team members nominate each other for the recognition, and a committee chooses two staffers each month to get the accolade, which includes a gift card prize. The company also recognizes an “elite performer” each quarter. The company piloted the recognition program at Collingswood Manor in Collingswood, New Jersey. Staff use the program to lift each other up without requiring a manager to take notice first. “It’s been well received, they see the benefit of it,” Peterson said. Andrew Christman is a reporter for Senior Housing News as part of WTWH Media, an avid reader and writer. He enjoys new book finds from his local library, and playing tabletop games with friends. ## Entities - Senior Care (sector) - new jersey (location) - Senior Housing News (publication) - leadership transition (topic) - Andrew Christman (person) - senior living expansion (topic) - United Methodist Communities (company) - Bob Peterson (person) - Mark Lenhard (person) - Parker Health Group (company) - UMC Foundation (company) - HomeWorks (company) --- Originally reported by Andrew Christman, Senior Housing News (https://seniorhousingnews.com/2026/10/15/under-interim-leader-united-methodist-communities-planning-next-chapter/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/d90711e4-840c-4d9e-8e04-b2d9fe1d3994).