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
2021.07 - 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
2019.12 - 2021.07
- 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
2017.02 - 2019.12
- 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
2021.07 - Current
Executive Director
Eclipse Senior Living / Sinceri Senior Living
2019.12 - 2021.07
Assistant Executive Director / Executive Director
DMAL Group
2017.02 - 2019.12
Master of Arts - MSW
Simmons University
Bachelor of Arts - BSW
South Carolina State University
High School Diploma -
Mullins High School
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