Matthew Harper

• Led training programs for new managers, enhancing operational knowledge and team integration.
• Developed strategies to optimize workflow processes to, improving service delivery efficiency across 16 facilities.
• Mentored junior staff on best practices in healthcare operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Analyzed performance metrics to identify trends, facilitating data-driven decision-making within teams.
• Managed multiple store locations simultaneously, ensuring consistent execution of company policies and procedures across all sites.
• Reduced shrinkage levels by implementing loss prevention strategies and promoting a culture of accountability among staff members.

• Achieved high levels of resident satisfaction through effective management of associate relations and family engagement initiatives. Drove financial performance by maintaining regulatory compliance and enhancing operational efficiency. Boosted sales results by collaborating closely with sales teams. Established a community culture that prioritizes exceptional resident experiences and care, fostering robust connections among residents, families, and associates.
• Partnered with sales team to enhance occupancy from 72% to 95% in eight months, reestablishing Brookdale Arvada as the premier independent living facility in Arvada.
• Conducted comprehensive market analysis and developed financial strategies to position senior living community as preferred choice in local market.
• Achieved top five ranking in associate retention within division, contributing to strong resident and family satisfaction scores. Recognized as a 2024 best workplace based on positive nominations from associates. Maintained a turnover rate of 4% in 2024, reflecting strong leadership and engagement strategies.
• Enabled department leaders to effectively oversee and inspire staff, resulting in proactive issue identification and resolution. Accountable for driving departmental performance through leadership accountability. Delivered targeted assistance to leaders and staff, enhancing team effectiveness.

Executive Director, Brookdale North Boulder: 09/2021-03/2024

Regional Director of Dining Services, Brookdale Senior Living: 10/2019-09/2021

Director of Dining Services, Brookdale Senior Living: 09/2016-10/2019

• Responsible for the community’s associate relations, resident and resident family engagement and connection, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. Works with sales to drive sales results. Creates an inclusive community culture that provides high quality resident experiences and care and engages residents, families, and associates.
• Essential Functions
• Responsible for all operations within the community. Grew occupancy from 42% to 91% and was able to achieve a positive NOI for the community for the first time in over five years.
• Develops and implements business plan to become a preferred senior living community in the local market and creates, analyzes, and executes annual operating and capital budgets; manages community performance against goals; sets plans to improve or maintain performance to Company service and financial standards.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with management team and encourages teamwork and collaboration; cultivates an inclusive community culture. Was top five in the division for associate retention and had a positive NPS score from residents and families.
• Empowers department leaders to supervise, direct, and motivate staff and to proactively recognize and solve issues. Holds department leaders accountable for department performance. Provides assistance to leaders and staff as needed.
• Supports department leaders to attract, develop, engage, and retain associates in accordance with Company policies.

• Assists Regional Directors, Area Directors, Executive Directors and Dining Service Managers in the following duties: Operating as the DSC at a community, hiring and training appropriate staff, resolving food cost problems, resolving food quality issues, addressing sanitation concerns, improving efficiency of dining services operation, and resolving dining services labor issues.
• Essential Functions
• Manages subordinate supervisor(s) who supervise food service and associates. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company's policies and applicable laws.
• Assists with the start-up of new dining services departments; reviews the menu system for accuracy, assists with the setup of kitchen and reviews small ware delivery for accuracy.
• Conducts and facilitates regular meetings with the dining service managers within the division to discuss new policies, procedures, training programs, etc.
• Obtains monthly detailed food expense report and annual food cost report from communities within assigned division. Assists in keeping food costs within budget.

• Directs food service operations within the community including all food preparation, dining room operations and dining delivery services. Purchases all food and manages inventory ensuring effective cost controls and vendor service and quality. Ensures the highest nutrition and food quality for the health and pleasure of the residents. Complies with all federal, state and local regulations to ensure sanitary and safe operations. Plans and executes entertaining dining events and themes in conjunction with Activities Director, Marketing Director and other administrative staff to optimize the life and pleasure of the residents. May also cater events as requested by residents or staff.
• Essential Functions
• Hires, trains and manages all supervisory staff for the kitchen, dining room, catering and delivery services. Ensures that supervisors maintain a safe and sanitary environment and provide a caring and pleasurable dining experience for the residents. Coaches supervisors in maintaining appropriate staffing levels and effectively motivating, disciplining and training associates.
• Consults with chefs and cooks to develop and maintain pleasing and nutritious menus. Assesses and determines the desires and preferences of the residents regarding food selection and presentation through surveys and daily contact with residents. Develops department budget including purchasing and staffing expenditures. Approves food orders from company or selected food vendors and ensures a proper level of inventory to meet demand and minimize cost and waste.
• Routinely monitors budget compliance and recommends changes as needed to maintain operational quality and resident satisfaction.
• Networks with Regional Food Service Directors to improve operations, reduce costs and to obtain new program ideas for creative operations.

• Contributed to a safe and secure environment for staff and youth at the facility. Achieved effective meal service delivery, integrating medical and religious dietary considerations during shifts. Enhanced daily kitchen operations through strategic supervision and mentoring of youth work crews, ensuring optimal safety and sanitation practices.
• Oversaw food preparation training for youth, emphasizing compliance with federal guidelines for reimbursable meal programs.
• Conducted regular inspections to verify youth compliance with established food safety standards.

Kitchen Manager, Gilliam Youth Service Center 08/2012-09/2013