WesleyLife CEO Kretzinger Announces Retirement

December 3, 2025

JOHNSTON, IA — WesleyLife has announced in a press release that President/CEO Rob Kretzinger will retire from his role effective June 1, 2026. Kretzinger joined the organization — then known as Wesley Retirement Services — in 1996 as chief operating officer; he was named CEO in 2003.

Under Kretzinger’s leadership, WesleyLife evolved from five traditional senior living communities into a company that serves more than 12,000 individuals annually through 10 communities for healthy living and a comprehensive array of home and community-based services.

“WesleyLife has been part of my passion for nearly 30 years, and I deeply value the mission and the people who bring it to life,” Kretzinger said. “This decision comes after significant reflection and prayer about what WesleyLife needs going forward, as well as what I need in this season of my life. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together — and excited for the next chapter of innovation and impact.”

“His leadership has positioned us for a future of growth and innovation, and we are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service,” said Chad Rasmussen, chair of the WesleyLife Board of Directors, in praise of Kretzinger’s vision.

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In his 22 years at the helm, Kretzinger expanded WesleyLife’s footprint through new communities for healthy living, strategic partnerships, and at-home services; introduced innovative housing concepts; and completed major renovations. Under his leadership, WesleyLife’s operating revenue grew from $19 million to more than $180 million. He established WesleyLife Foundation and championed a donor-centered approach that helped WesleyLife surpass $104 million in cumulative giving during his time in leadership, including transformative gifts such as $10.5 million from John Stoddard and $11 million for the Meals on Wheels campaign that tripled impact and launched the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm. He also focused on extending healthspan through initiatives that led to achievements like Blue Zones Work Sites designation for all WesleyLife locations. He also helped to grow WesleyLife’s workforce significantly with organizational expansion and earned repeated recognition as a Best Place to Work, Great Place to Work, and Top Workplace in Iowa (he received the Light of Wellness Leadership Award, recognizing his commitment to building a healthy workplace culture).

Kretzinger’s impact has been recognized with the Francis Lackner Award of Honor, the highest accolade from the Iowa chapter of LeadingAge. Under Kretzinger’s leadership, WesleyLife has earned numerous organizational awards for innovation and workplace excellence.

Kretzinger will continue as senior advisor to WesleyLife following his retirement and will support the WesleyLife Board of Directors in selecting his successor. The board has initiated a search to identify the next CEO.