Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

JESSE LYNN

Gurnee,IL

Summary

Empathetic and collaborative leader in senior living with a passion for fostering strong community culture for both residents and staff. Known for a hands-on leadership style that values open communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Brings calm, focused energy to high-pressure situations, and thrives on problem-solving through teamwork. Experienced in guiding departments, mentoring staff, and helping good cultures get even stronger. Offers steady leadership, critical thinking, and heart—ready to contribute meaningfully to a team that values connection, compassion, and accountability.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Life Enrichment Director

Cedarhurst Assisted Living And Memory Care
01.2025 - Current
  • Led a full redesign of the monthly activity calendar in collaboration with residents and families, introducing more diverse, interest-based programming aligned with nine dimensions of wellness. Prioritized meaningful engagement and opportunities for residents to explore new experiences, ideas, and technologies—fostering deeper connection, curiosity, and participation across the community.
  • Collaborated with Sales and Marketing to design personalized, engaging tour experiences that contributed to a 30% census increase within the first three months. Took the lead in welcoming and acclimating new residents, ensuring a smooth, supportive transition into community life and daily programming.
  • Reduced departmental supply and labor costs by 20% through efficient planning systems, strategic purchasing, reuse of materials, optimized staff scheduling, and thoughtful resource management—while simultaneously enhancing resident engagement and overall program quality.
  • Served as weekend Manager-on-Duty at least once per month, overseeing full community operations, supporting staff across departments, and addressing resident or family concerns.
  • Led planning and execution of monthly community-wide “Friends & Family” events, coordinating across all departments to deliver meaningful, large-scale experiences that strengthened resident engagement, family connection, and staff collaboration.

Life Enrichment Director

StoryPoint Senior Living
02.2021 - 11.2024
  • Stepped into a Co-Interim Executive Director role during a period of significant leadership turnover at the Libertyville community, becoming the senior-most department head and a key point of connection for residents, families, and staff. Contributed to the IDPH correction plan and supported operational continuity across departments.
  • Stepped up and leaned in during crisis situations at the Libertyville community, frequently going above scope and schedule to support residents and staff during after-hours emergencies. Took lead on urgent facility-wide issues including heating outages, system resets, and emergency response coordination across departments.
  • Designed and implemented tailored activity calendars for Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, balancing diverse interests and abilities to foster emotional, physical, and cognitive engagement.
  • Developed and facilitated grief and emotional wellness programs, including peer support groups, to meet the unique mental and emotional health needs of aging adults navigating change, loss, and isolation.
  • Transitioned to the Naperville community to lead Life Enrichment in a high-performing environment with strong leadership and mentorship. Built on existing strengths while introducing new ideas and contributing to a lasting, positive cultural impact.
  • Selected as a pilot site for several company-wide Life Enrichment initiatives, collaborating directly with the Vice President of Life Enrichment on rollout, feedback, and implementation strategy.
  • Mentored and trained new Life Enrichment Directors across multiple regional communities, providing hands-on coaching, onboarding, and peer support through site visits and virtual leadership development.
  • Participated as a member of the regional grand opening event team, responsible for creative design, staging, and professional photography at new community launches throughout Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
  • Managed enrichment team operations including scheduling, onboarding, and coaching, fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and compassionate service.
  • Led new resident integration processes, designing and writing a detailed "new resident handbook" that artfully consolidated key information and brand identity for new residents, directly leading to improved retention and resident satisfaction.
  • Maintained calm, solution-focused leadership in high-pressure situations, ensuring safety, continuity of care, and consistent programming even during staffing transitions and operational challenges.

Owner/Creative Director

Kidron Music & Entertainment Inc
07.2005 - Current
  • Founded and operated a successful event services company specializing in weddings, corporate functions, and live entertainment, managing all aspects of operations, marketing, sales, and client experience.
  • Led a team of seven employees at peak operations, overseeing hiring, training, scheduling, and performance to ensure professionalism and brand consistency across thousands of events.
  • Executed high-profile events for major corporate clients, luxury venues, and casinos, consistently maintaining high standards of service and adaptability under pressure.
  • Developed and implemented strategic business plans that supported sustainable growth, streamlined logistics, and improved profitability through shifting market conditions.
  • Expanded service offerings by launching additional revenue streams, including photo booth rentals and professional event photography, to increase client value and broaden market reach.
  • Cultivated long-term client relationships and referral networks through responsive communication, conflict resolution, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Applied skills in branding, graphic design, photography, and social media to strengthen the company’s public presence and drive business development.
  • Continue to operate the business independently, focusing on select high-end events alongside a full-time leadership role in senior living.

Licensed Mortgage Broker

Equity Financial Group
11.2006 - 11.2007

General Manager

Radio Shack
12.2003 - 11.2006

Skills

    Leadership & Team Development

  • Staff Supervision & Coaching
  • Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Team Building & Morale Leadership
  • Performance Management & Training

    • Operations & Strategy

  • Project & Event Management
  • Budgeting & Resource Allocation
  • Scheduling & Workflow Optimization
  • Business Planning & Operational Strategy
  • Safety, Risk Management & Compliance (AL/MC)

    • Resident & Family Engagement

  • Resident-Centered Programming
  • Family Communication & Support
  • Customer Service & Relationship Management
  • New Resident Integration

    • Marketing & Growth

  • Occupancy Growth & Sales Support
  • Brand Strategy & Community Outreach
  • Public Speaking & Tour Presentation
  • Social Media & Digital Engagement

    • Technology & Tools

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Icon (formerly Caremerge)
  • Canva / Adobe Creative Tools
  • Digital Scheduling & Communication Platforms
  • Photography & Visual Content Creation

Timeline

Life Enrichment Director

Cedarhurst Assisted Living And Memory Care
01.2025 - Current

Life Enrichment Director

StoryPoint Senior Living
02.2021 - 11.2024

Licensed Mortgage Broker

Equity Financial Group
11.2006 - 11.2007

Owner/Creative Director

Kidron Music & Entertainment Inc
07.2005 - Current

General Manager

Radio Shack
12.2003 - 11.2006

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JESSE LYNN