Kendal at Oberlin Names Vilensky CEO

January 19, 2024

OBERLIN, OH — Kendal at Oberlin, a nonprofit life-plan community in this city 11 miles from the shores of Lake Erie in northcentral Ohio, has announced Seth Vilensky as its next CEO. According to a press release, Vilensky will start January 29, 2024; he was selected following a nationwide search, led by the organization’s Board of Directors.

Vilensky most recently served as vice president, strategic market operations and category management for Medically Home, a growing start-up company offering high-acuity care at home across 18 states. Prior to that, he was the president/CEO of the Montefiore Home. When Montefiore merged with Menorah Park in 2020, he served as the vice president of business development and community health for the combined organization. As CEO for Montefiore, Vilensky had a key role in growing the organization and planning the merger, creating a partnership designed to grow and diversify the communities.

“I am honored to be chosen as the second CEO in Kendal at Oberlin’s long history,” Vilensky said. “I am thrilled to join the great team, board, and vibrant community at Kendal at Oberlin. The values of Kendal, particularly the sense of community, inclusiveness, and service, align perfectly with my experiences and passion for healthy and independent aging.”

The search for Kendal at Oberlin’s new chief executive officer began when longtime CEO, Barbara Thomas, announced her plans for retirement after 32 years of leading the organization. This transition comes at a time when the community, board, and staff leaders are well-established and prepared to navigate this important change in leadership.

ALSO: Kendal at Oberlin CEO Barbara Thomas Announces Retirement

“From his many experiences, Seth brings a vision of where the senior living and care management market is headed,” said Joan Villareal, chair of the Kendal at Oberlin Board of Directors. “Seth’s approach will be to consider what the next generation of seniors wants. He demonstrates a strong business sense and possesses the right skills to work with all of our Kendal at Oberlin stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming Seth and working with him as we continue to move Kendal at Oberlin into the future.”

“With a wealth of experience in senior living, enhanced by broad business experience and education, we are thrilled to welcome Seth Vilensky as the new CEO for Kendal at Oberlin,” commented Amy Harrison, chief financial officer for The Kendal Corporation and a member of the CEO Transition team. “His strategic leadership, commitment to smart, sustainable growth, passion for mission and dedication to community align seamlessly with our values. As we bid farewell to Barbara Thomas after 31+ years of exceptional leadership, we are looking forward to the continued success of Kendal at Oberlin with Seth’s leadership.”

Founded on Quaker principles and guided by its Values and Practices, The Kendal Corporation is a not-for-profit organization whose 11 operating affiliates provide independent living, assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation care. Kendal-affiliated senior living communities are in New Hampshire; New York; Massachusetts; Virginia; the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area; Illinois; Pennsylvania; Ohio; and California.

Kendal at Oberlin offers a resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art, and lifelong learning.