2025 Nominees
Cameron Harris
SAL Management
CSO
I am eager to serve on the board to contribute my skills and experience to the greater assisted living community. My passion for this industry, along with my deep respect for the residents and the dedicated teams who care for them, drives my commitment to advocacy and innovation.
Reasons for Serving:
I am committed to using my talents and expertise to support and elevate the assisted living community while advocating for both residents and the teams that serve them.
With a forward-thinking mindset, I thrive on developing creative solutions to complex challenges. I am passionate about championing the needs of this vulnerable population and ensuring their voices are heard.
I recognize and deeply appreciate the impact of previous board members and their contributions. I seek to build upon their legacy and continue the progress they have made.
As the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of SAL Management, I work closely with teams across multiple communities. This experience enables me to bring a broad perspective to the Utah Assisted Living Association (UALA), accurately representing the concerns, successes, and challenges faced by these communities.
I engage with residents daily and have firsthand insight into their needs, challenges, and desires. My direct interaction allows me to effectively advocate for their well-being.
Qualifications:
I am dedicated to giving my time, talents, and expertise to serve the assisted living industry in any way possible. I deeply respect and appreciate the teams, families, and residents I work with.
With a lifelong career in healthcare, I have experience at every level of assisted living operations, from caregiving to my current role as CSO. This broad perspective allows me to understand and navigate the complexities of the industry.
I have a proven track record of revitalizing struggling communities and celebrating the success of high-performing teams.
I have attended multiple leadership development programs, including Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership Summit and Master Series, which have strengthened my leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and strategic business acumen.
As a certified instructor for Integrity Sales Solutions, I have successfully led sales teams to achieve exceptional results while maintaining a strong ethical foundation. I am passionate about mentoring teams and individuals to achieve personal and professional success.
I firmly believe that those who work in the assisted living industry are extraordinary individuals who provide invaluable care to seniors and families across Utah and beyond.
As a member of SAL Management’s Executive Team, I am dedicated to ensuring our communities deliver the highest quality of care while fostering professional growth and success among our teams.
I hold a degree in Business Administration, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to industry leadership and strategic decision-making.
Rodney Washburn
Executive Director
Capital Hill
I am honored to submit my nomination to continue serving on the Utah Assisted Living Association (UALA) Board. With 25 years of experience as an Executive Director in assisted living, I have dedicated my career to improving the quality of care for seniors and supporting the professionals who make a difference in their lives every day.
Throughout my years in this field, I have had the privilege of serving on the UALA Board in various capacities, including as President. This experience has deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our industry, and I remain committed to advocating for policies and practices that enhance the lives of residents and caregivers alike.
My passion for assisted living has only grown stronger over the years. I believe my experience, leadership, and dedication can continue to serve the board and our industry well. I am eager to contribute to the ongoing success of UALA and to work alongside fellow professionals who share the same commitment to excellence in senior care.
Heather Reeves
Regional Director of Operations & Executive Director
SAL Management
Qualifications/Reasons you want to serve or want to nominate someone:
Bringing 30 years of experience in Long Term Care with a deep passion for advancing innovative solutions in the senior living industry I would love to continue my service on the Board. My extensive background spans operations, regulatory compliance, marketing, and resident-centered care, allowing me to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities within Assisted Living. I am committed to supporting an innovative organization that prioritizes excellence, growth, and forward-thinking strategies to enhance the quality of care for residents. My leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills equip me to contribute meaningfully to the board, ensuring that we continue to shape the future of Long Term Care with integrity, innovation, and a strong commitment to service.
Rachel Whitmarsh
Executive Director
Aspen Ridge Residences of Lehi
Qualifications/Reasons you want to serve or want to nominate someone:
Rachel has over 17 years experience working with seniors in both the United States and Australia where she is from. Rachel has a broad range of experience as she has worked as a CNA, Med Tech, Resident Care Coordinator, Marketing Director and Executive Director. She is currently working with the city of Saratoga Springs to establish and start a Senior Center since they do not have one. She is always looking for ways to help Seniors whether she is at work or in her community.
Mark Mun
Executive Director
Cottonwood Creek - MBK Senior Living
Qualifications/Reasons you want to serve or want to nominate someone:
Mark is very attentive and believes in UALA. He is an advocate and looks out for the bettering of our industry.
Jen Kay
Executive Director
Country Pines Retirement Community
I have a passion for working to improving the lives of the elderly, I have been in the industry for almost 20 years and would love to educate others
Wade Vest
Vice President of Operations
Kisco Senior Living
I've been a part of the senior living industry for the past 15 years. I've worked in Arizona, Nevada and for the majority of my career in Utah. I finished my undergraduate degree at BYU and my graduate degree at the University of Utah in Gerontology. I love serving the senior population as well as the associates who work in the communities. I have a history of building strong teams and creating an amazing workplace culture. I'd like to serve on the board to collaborate with fellow senior living operators and advocate for our industry in general. I worked as an Executive Director for 14 years. My most recent role as an Executive Director was with Sagewood at Daybreak. I am currently a Vice President of Operations with Kisco Senior Living. Thanks for your consideration.
Cecelia Hitzke
Executive Director
Creekside Senior Living
I would like to serve on the board as I have loved seeing the growth in what UALA has offered to the Assisted Living communities in the area - with their educational sessions, offering CEU courses, involvement with legislature - and I would be honored to be a part of that again. I believe I can bring good insight into the conversations on the board and am willing to dedicate time to the board to help continue having these programs available and improving year by year.
Sarah C Landon
Regional Director of Operations
Pheasant View Assisted Living LLC
I bring a unique perspective to the assisted living industry with my background in the hospitality industry, through the Marriott brand. While hospitality and assisted living may seem like very different industries, the core principles of high-level service and customer care are remarkably similar. My family's continued involvement in the hospitality industry—owning and running hotels—has instilled in me a commitment to bringing a higher standard of care to every aspect of business.
It all starts with improving the lives of employees. I believe that when employees are treated with respect, given the proper support, and valued for their work, the culture they create will be one that residents are proud to be a part of. This mindset has shaped my approach to managing assisted living communities and has led to consistent improvements in resident care and staff satisfaction.
I am currently responsible for the operations of four assisted living communities, and as I near the completion of my Master’s in Healthcare Administration, I am eager to continue expanding my expertise and knowledge. I would be honored to serve the Utah Assisted Living Association, where I could further contribute to raising awareness, enhancing standards, and fostering collaboration within the sector. By connecting like-minded professionals, I hope to help create positive change and attract others who are passionate about improving care for residents in assisted living communities.
The assisted living industry is in dire need of dedicated individuals who are invested in creating meaningful change. I am committed to helping build that change by educating and engaging others in this sector of healthcare and ensuring we all have the resources and support to deliver the highest quality care possible. Together, we can shape a future where residents and caregivers alike are part of something that truly makes a difference.
I also see this as an opportunity to help others within the AL community become more informed, ensuring that we all have the knowledge needed to deliver the highest standard of care. I believe in the power of collaboration and would love to meet others in the field who share a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in assisted living communities.
Serving on this board would also give me the chance to introduce like-minded individuals to each other, fostering a strong, supportive network of professionals who can share insights, experiences, and solutions. I am excited about the chance to be part of something bigger, to help create meaningful change, and to contribute to advancing the standards and policies that will improve care in assisted living across Utah. This industry is in desperate need of dedicated and passionate individuals, and it is one of my top priorities to get others invested in the community of assisted living, so that together, we can build a stronger future for both residents and caregivers.
Vance Child
Director of Operations
Wasatch Senior Living/Family Tree
I have served on the board these last two years. I love it! I am currently the chair of the education committee. I really enjoy helping put together professional development classes and providing learning opportunities for those who serve in Senior Living. I think Senior Living is the greatest professional industry to be a part of. Being able to serve the elderly and help them enjoy their last years is a blessing. Hope to serve another two years.
Scott Monson
CEO
SAL Management
With over two decades of experience in the senior living industry, I am deeply committed to the mission of improving assisted living communities across Utah. As a Partner and CEO of SAL Management Group for nearly 20 years, I have gained firsthand experience in overseeing operations, enhancing resident care, and ensuring regulatory excellence across multiple communities. My background as an administrator at Williamsburg Retirement Community and Wentworth Senior Living Services has given me valuable insights into both the day-to-day challenges and the broader strategic needs of the industry.
Having previously served on the UALA Board of Directors for over 22 years, including as President from 2021 to 2023, I understand the importance of advocacy, leadership, and collaboration in shaping policies that benefit both providers and residents. I am passionate about strengthening Utah’s assisted living sector through education, operational innovation, and legislative engagement.
Serving on the UALA board would allow me to continue supporting industry professionals, fostering best practices, and advocating for policies that enhance the quality of care for seniors. I would be honored to contribute my experience and leadership to further the mission of UALA.
Gary Webster
Executive Director
The Wellington/ MBK
Gary has been in healthcare for over 20 years. He served in many Director positions at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital as well as Financial positions in the hospital setting.
In the Hospital setting, Gary managed and worked well with Inspectors and Surveyors. He understands how to implement a culture with staff for zero deficiencies. In many of his communities he has created a culture of learning rather than blame which allows communities to be compliant and provide the best possible care to the residents.
To achieve the best possible health outcomes and low tags, high retention is the key. Gary has created successful teams and empowered them with responsibility and rewards to run their departments at the highest efficiency possible. This culture creates promotions from within along with staff that are very proud of the care they provide to their residents.
Gary has served on several professional Boards in the Oncology setting and understand how Boards are there to serve its members and provide them with the best tools in the industry. He has served as board member, president and advisor to the Society of Radiation Oncology Administrators for over 12 years. He is committed to providing UALA members processes and tools to operate their communities fiscally sound and in compliance.
Gary made the transition from the hospital setting to retirement communities 7 years ago as Executive Director. He will use his experience as an Executive Director to provide financial insight on how to operate month after month with a positive margin and how to avoid pitfalls and be a successful community.