Ernest "EJ" Lewis
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced Director of Operations/Executive Director/Assisted Living Administrator with over 9 years of experience in the IL/AL/MC Senior Living & Geriatric Social Work Industry. Strong leadership abilities, effective organizational skills, solid understanding of California State regulations and requirements. Proven ability to increase census, revenue customer satisfaction and compliance. Well-versed in the day to day operations, financial reporting, billing and accounting practices. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing first-rate communication and organizational skills. Recognized for successfully collaborating with management to develop work plans, financials and strategies.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations / Executive Director
Cadence Senior Living / Cogir Senior Living
07.2021 - Current
- Strategically planned the day-to-day administrative and operational functions for 122-bed community, providing guidance, stability, leadership and motivation to over 95 employees across more than 6 departments.
- Manage annual budget with up to $1M in revenue and control expenses to ensure positive NOI growth YOY.
- Exceeded annual revenue goals by more than $85K, resulting in a positive NOI.
- Led community to achieve 94% occupancy and stabilization month over month via resident retention and appropriateness of resident in house.
- Developed and Implemented a Business Develop initiative that increased census by 20% and improved community revenue.
- Awarded and maintained unsubstantiated compliant visits from the California Department of Social Services and had consistent deficiency-free surveys for 3 consecutive years.
- Decreased company overtime from 6% to 1.3% in 7 months time through effective recruitment, scheduling, and labor allocations.
- Develop annual operating and capital budget with the new mgt. company.
- Review monthly financial statements with Senior Mgt. team, exercise appropriate cost control to meet budget, maximize profitability and minimize negative budget variances and deficits.
- Oversee the admission process and execute residency agreements for all new admissions ensuring proper communication of our agreement and policies.
- Educate team on all policies and procedures and ensure that the community is in compliance with CA CDSS State regulations regarding Assisted Living Facilities.
- Assists in developing and conducting service plan reviews with appropriate resident care team members and resident families.
- Maintain a high degree of resident and staff satisfaction through quality services, prompt issue resolution, communication and follow-up.
Executive Director
Eclipse Senior Living / Sinceri Senior Living
12.2019 - 07.2021
- Strategically planned the day-to-day administrative and operational functions for 165-bed community, providing guidance, stability, leadership and motivation to over 110 employees across more than 6 departments.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Established performance benchmarks for each department in alignment with the organization''s strategic priorities.
- Monitored industry trends closely enabling the organization to stay ahead of emerging challenges or opportunities.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Optimized operational workflows, reducing overhead costs and maximizing resource allocation.
- Presented regularly at conferences or industry events showcasing the accomplishments of the organization.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
Assistant Executive Director / Executive Director
DMAL Group
02.2017 - 12.2019
- Strategically planned the day-to-day administrative and operational functions for a 120-bed community as an Assistant ED and a 65-bed community as an Executive Director, providing guidance, stability, leadership and motivation to over 120 employees cumulative across more than 6 departments.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Enhanced organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Improved long-term sustainability by identifying growth opportunities via thorough market research.
- Encouraged collaboration within teams by developing effective training programs focused on building strong interpersonal skills.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Managed turnover and appropriate adequate staffing through development of recruitment sources.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Supported and assisted executive director in management of facility budgets and business practices.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
Education
Master of Arts - MSW
Simmons University
Boston, United States11.2020
Bachelor of Arts - BSW
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC05.2015
High School Diploma -
Mullins High School
Mullins, SC05.2010
Skills
- CA RCFE Certified Assisted Living Administrator
- Background in Acquired Comminutes & Acquisitions
- IL/AL/MC Experience and Management as Executive Director and Director of Operations
- Multi-site oversight experience as Director of Operations
- Licensed Social Worker
- Previous Director of Social Services for SNF
- CPR/AED Certified
- Certified Medication Technician
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certificate
- CA Notary Public / SC Notary Public
- California Assisted Living Association (CALA) Member
- NASW Member - LBSW
- APFM - Best of Senior Living 2024 Award Winner
- Seasoned Administrator with more than 9 years of knowledge and experience in the senior living & geriatric social work industry
- Strong understanding of the CA CDSS Regulations for Assisted Living Communities
- Solid Leadership & Proven Success Metrics via Variance reports and Successful CDSS surveys/complaint visits
- Financial Reports and Management Acumen
- Comfortable interacting with State, Local, or other officials
- Timely issue resolution
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Word/Excel/Power Point proficient
- Strong communication skills
- Detail-Oriented and organized
- Account Receivable & Payable
- Billing and Account Management
- Relationship building, staff and resident retention
- Team building and staff morale
Timeline
Director of Operations / Executive Director
Cadence Senior Living / Cogir Senior Living
07.2021 - Current
Executive Director
Eclipse Senior Living / Sinceri Senior Living
12.2019 - 07.2021
Assistant Executive Director / Executive Director
DMAL Group
02.2017 - 12.2019
Master of Arts - MSW
Simmons University
Bachelor of Arts - BSW
South Carolina State University
High School Diploma -
Mullins High School
Similar Profiles
SAKSHI MANVAWALASAKSHI MANVAWALA
Server at COGIR SENIOR LIVING HOMEServer at COGIR SENIOR LIVING HOME
Citalli RodriguezCitalli Rodriguez
Server at Cogir senior livingServer at Cogir senior living
Carl CarulloCarl Carullo
Dishwasher at Cogir Senior LivingDishwasher at Cogir Senior Living