What Makes Commonwealth Different?
We improve the lives of seniors,
their families, and each other.
We Listen
We Love
We Care
We Serve
Our History
Founded in 2002 by Richard J. Brewer and the MCAP Funds, Commonwealth Senior Living began operations with the acquisition of three communities in southeastern Virginia. Together we saw an opportunity to add value by providing extensive on-site support from our home office team, investing in the physical plants, adding Memory Care services to address an unmet need in an expanding market, and increasing the size of the communities to achieve economies of scale.
“Our people set us apart from other providers,” Richard Brewer, Founder and Chairman, says. “We work hard and are not afraid to do things differently. We believe in our product and are proud of the important role we play in society to help our elders age with dignity.”
With our Home Office located in Charlottesville, Virginia, our leadership team is centrally located between every one of our senior living communities. Our entire team provides high-quality housing, personal care and comprehensive services that are responsive to the needs and preferences of residents and their families. With 36 communities across the Eastern United States, more than 2,000 associates, and a capacity for over 2,800 residents, we have grown to become one of the largest operators on the east coast.
Our Core Values
In the spring of 2014, we wanted to find out why our associates come to work. We asked the question “what does a great day at Commonwealth Senior Living look like/feel like?” Our leadership team met with our most valued associates at each community to establish what they believed were the guiding principles of our communities, based on their answers to that insightful question. Out of these intensive meetings and discussions, our Core Values were borne. These values below drive our associates and leaders in every decision they make and are the benchmark by which each individual is assessed annually. They represent the how of what we do.
Leadership
Flipping the organizational chart upside down, we firmly believe that all home office and regional management positions exist to support the services that are being provided at the communities, and that ultimately the people who are providing the care to our residents are the most important asset.
Richard Brewer
Founder & Chairman
Richard began in the senior housing industry over 20 years ago working for a family-owned company that opened the first assisted living community in Virginia. Working in a small company, in an industry that was new to Virginia, he was involved in all aspects of the business. This experience proved to be instrumental in the success of Commonwealth Senior Living as it led to a strategic growth plan that considered the importance of everyone’s role in the organization, from the CEO up to our frontline associates.
Understanding the roles employee engagement and resident satisfaction play in an organization’s long term success, Richard brought together a team of professionals to focus on these key areas. This strategy has allowed Commonwealth to capitalize on the opportunities of acquiring existing real estate then implementing strategic operational changes, adding services, and renovating and expanding the communities to achieve economies of scale and superior financial results. Richard built CSL through acquisitions and renovation and expansion projects, building a world class management team. Richard graduated from James Madison University and served on the Virginia Assisted Living Association and the Jefferson Area Board on Aging, and currently serves as Vice Chair of CATEL, a vocational trading school.
Earl Parker
President & Chief Executive Officer
Earl is responsible for providing strategic direction and overall leadership and support to Commonwealth Senior Living (CSL). His experience includes more than 30 years of leadership roles in the hospitality and senior living industries. Prior to joining CSL, he was an integral part of the leadership and growth team for two large senior living owner/operators (Kisco Senior Living and Bell Senior Living) as well as founding and leading his own management company (The ELMS Group) for more than five years. Parker has led the successful acquisitions of more than 45 senior living communities and has supported more than 80 senior living communities across the country.
Earl earned his MBA from UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan Flagler Business School and his B.S. degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson and Wales University. Earl is active in Argentum, VALA, NIC and ASHA as well as having been a past board member of NCALA.
Michelle Hamilton
Chief Operating Officer
Michelle is responsible for leading day to day community operations for the entire Commonwealth Senior Living (CSL) portfolio of communities through her leadership and support of our team of Regional Vice Presidents. Michelle joined CSL in June of 2020, with over 30 years of senior living experience, including prior positions ranging from Executive Director to Chief Operating Officer. Michelle’s career has encompassed a large family owned company, a third-party management organization with a prolific new development pipeline and a real estate investment firm. These experiences have provided her with a well-rounded view of the senior care business and equipped her to lead teams in tackling new challenges in the 21st century.
Michelle has extensive experience in senior living operations, sales/marketing, branding, technology implementation, risk management, quality assurance, investor relations, and most importantly executive coaching and building teams. She received her B.S. in Business and her MBA from Frostburg State University. Michelle has been an active member of Argentum and served as a committee roundtable chair for several years. She is currently serving on the Virginia Association of Assisted Living (VALA) board. She served on the board of directors for Pennsylvania Health Care Association and served as the Chair of the Assisted Living/Personal Care board.
Vicky Morris
Chief Financial Officer
Vicky oversees financial operations for all Commonwealth communities and their affiliates. She brings 20 years of experience managing the financials and operations of assisted living communities. In addition to periodic financial statements, her responsibilities include complex cash flow analysis, lender reporting (FHA, FNMA, FREDDIE, and Conventional), proforma development and budgeting for acquisitions, additions and expansions, audits, and all government financial reporting. She oversees the financial record keeping for over 50 different business entities, preparation of numerous loan packages and due diligence for all acquisitions. Vicky also represents Commonwealth as a member of Argentum’s CFO Executive Roundtable.
Tommy Comer
Chief Human Resource Officer
Tommy is responsible for developing and implementing Commonwealth’s people strategy. He provides senior level HR supervision to the company and leads company-wide HR operations, including employee relations, leadership development, recruitment, training, and supports Commonwealth’s Employee Assistance Fund: Commonwealth Cares. Tommy possesses almost twenty years of HR experience in a variety of industries, including assisted living, higher education, and retail. Previously, Tommy was the Regional HR Director for a vibrant west coast senior living company, overseeing the HR function at 22 communities in 11 states. Tommy possesses a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) from Argosy University, a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Tommy lives near Charlottesville, VA with his wife and their triplets.
Kristy Ruppe Craddock
Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Kristy joined Commonwealth Senior Living in 2016 with over 15 years’ experience in sales and marketing leadership within the senior living industry. She has successfully led many sales teams throughout her career encompassing Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and CCRC’s. She distinguishes herself by building engaged top performing sales teams, designing compelling sales training focused on creating a unique customer experience and development of sales science analytics which have led to increased sales performance and revenue. Kristy has enjoyed building her experience in various markets and states from coast to coast, having worked for two other national organizations. Kristy received her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a focus in Gerontology and Hospitality. Throughout her career, Kristy’s passion for seniors extends beyond her professional path, having been an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, local Senior Advocacy and Service organizations, serving in a variety of leadership capacities.
Josh Allen, RN, C-AL
Resident Care Support
Josh Allen is a Registered Nurse and a principal at Allen Flores Consulting Group. He has over 25 years of experience in senior living, including executive leadership where he has overseen health services, staff development, recruiting, and regulatory compliance.
Josh consults on risk management and legal cases, including testifying as an expert on assisted living standards of care.
Josh is certified in assisted living nursing by the American Assisted Living Nurses Association. He also serves on the board of directors of the California Assisted Living Association and is the past board chair of the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living.
Awards
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2009
Best Practice Award for CSL Sweet Memories Program -
2015
Best Practice Award for CSL Farm-to-Table Dining -
2021
Best Practice Award for CSL Microfarm Program
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2019
Earned first certification as a Great Place to Work -
2020
Earned certification as a Great Place to Work -
2021
Earned certification as a Great Place to Work -
2022
Earned certification as a Great Place to Work
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2020
Best Practice Award for CSL Microfarm Program
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2022
1 Community named Best Independent Living -
2022
10 Communities named Best Assisted Living -
2022
9 Communities named Best Memory Care
