Blake Management Group Names New Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer

February 21, 2019

JACKSON, MS–Senior living company Blake Management Group (BMG) has expanded its executive team with the addition of Katie Kleinsmith as Chief Operating Officer and Jessica Heck as Chief Strategy Officer.

As Chief Operating Officer, Kleinsmith will oversee core operational functions, creating programs that drive excellence into community processes and supporting onsite teams, with the main goal of building environments where residents can thrive.

Chief Strategy Officer Heck will oversee new developments, sales, strategic growth and project development, and will be the voice and spokesperson of the company.

Kleinsmith brings over 28 years of senior living sales and operations management experience to the Blake. She has served in regional and national roles with Manor Health Care, Brookdale Senior Living and Marriott Senior Living.

Kleinsmith has served on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association and the Virginia Coalition for the Aging. She was also an appointed member of the Virginia Governor’s Commission on Alzheimer’s Disease, and is currently a member of the Women Business Leaders for the US Healthcare Industry.

“I am excited to be part of the dynamic team at the Blake and to be part of a growing company dedicated to serving seniors,” said Kleinsmith. “My vision is to create the best management team possible to stabilize our existing communities and help grow our platform across the southern US and mid-atlantic regions.”

Heck comes to BMG with extensive independent living, assisted living and memory care experience from Elmcroft and Atria.

“I have a passion to help those that are seeking out assisted living and memory care for their loved ones because I’ve personally experienced how hard it can be,” said Heck. “My mother has a brain injury and dementia, and I had a very close relationship with my grandmother which fostered my love and respect for seniors, so I’ve been in the shoes of our resident’s family members. I pride myself in being genuine, and I want to help people find a place that feels like home at the Blake.”

Blake CEO Jeremy Cole added, “BMG is fortunate to find these two leaders with such vast senior living experience, talent and vision. Katie and Jessica both understand how to build inclusive teams focused on engagement, while creating sustainable ways to grow the leaders whom already call the Blake their home.”

Kleinsmith has a BA in English and Economics from George Mason University. She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education post-graduate program with a certificate in Finance. She currently resides in Austin, TX.

Heck is a motivational speaker and author, with a BA in Communications and Finance from the University of Louisville. She serves on the Board of the Kentucky Senior Living Association as Chair of the Education Committee and is an Argentum Ambassador. Currently residing in Louisville, KY, Heck has three daughters and is in the UofL Master’s in Business Administration program.

“Each of these women are uniquely prepared for the opportunities and challenges which will come with the growth we have in front of us. Frankly, it was already an exciting time for us and now the energy just went up a few levels,” said Cole. “An authentic commitment to leadership development is the only way we will win the race and accomplish the elevated goals we have set for the next five years.”

Based in Jackson, MS, Blake Management Group is a privately held senior living operator formed in 2007 and responsible for the operation of 20 communities throughout Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia.