VERO BEACH, Fla. – Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA), a regional senior living development and management company based in Vero Beach, announces that Veronica Yestrumskas, Executive Director at HarborChase of Coral Springs, has been awarded Executive Director of the Year by Florida Senior Living Association. “Being recognized with this award indicates that intangible results are regarded just as highly as concrete accomplishments,” she said. “I feel that it is a tribute to and a reflection of my efforts, my character, and my deep level of commitment. To be acknowledged for the way I have led my team through challenging situations and difficult obstacles is deeply humbling.”
Yestrumskas demonstrates extraordinary leadership skills. Passionate about senior living, she served at assisted living and memory care communities shortly after college graduation. She has been a dedicated executive director for eight years and has served in this role at HarborChase of Coral Springs for four years. In her role,she is responsible for the overall management of HarborChase of Coral Springs to ensure high-quality resident care services, within budgetary guidelines, while meeting or exceeding Harbor Retirement Associates standards.
Yestrumskas demonstrates strong problem-solving skills in urgent situations. She remains steadfast during difficult periods and always has residents, associates and HRA’s best interests in mind. She worked tirelessly through Hurricane Irma as her residents and staff evacuated to a sister community. During this time, she assisted in carrying residents and their belongings up and down the stairs to their temporary apartments and worked hand-in-hand with her associates to provide the best care possible in an extremely challenging situation.
“When someone wishes to speak with me, whether it be a resident, a family member, an associate, a healthcare provider, a prospect, or a volunteer, I am aware that to that individual, at that moment, their issue or concern is the most important thing in their world,” Yestrumskas said. “Regardless of what I am doing or what deadline I am trying to meet, I make every effort to devote my undivided attention to the present situation.”
An advocate for the residents and staff of the community, Yestrumskas motivates her team by being involved in all aspects of the community. She is always willing to provide resources, encouragement, and advice for advancement to the team members. Additionally, as a mentor for new executive directors, she has supported other communities to ensure smooth operations.
Yestrumskas demonstrates extraordinary dedication and commitment to preserving the dignity, well-being and independence of residents. Always building a partnership-style relationship with families and encouraging open dialogue and feedback, she has been praised for her empathetic listening, personal attention, and constant communication with family members about the care of their loved one.
Yestrumskas builds resident focused relationships that support quality experiences for residents. One of the most memorable stories to exemplify her commitment to quality relationships is when a couple came for a tour at HarborChase of Coral Springs just before Valentine’s Day, exploring options to best meet the husband’s care needs. Following the tour, she visited the couple in their home and prepared a Valentine’s Day meal of both their favorite entrees. The couple knew from that moment that HarborChase of Coral Springs, with such personal attention and compassion from Yestrumskas, was the right choice for them.
“The lines between myself as an individual and myself in my role at HarborChase have become blurred,” Yestrumskas said. “I have woven myself into the fabric of this community and feel a strong sense of ownership and a great deal of pride.”
HRA is currently operating 35 communities, with more under development. As an organization, HRA is committed to anticipating the needs of a new generation of seniors. HarborChase communities focus on serving seniors through providing choice and award-winning hospitality. Accredited Chefs prepare seasonal, farm-to-table Chef’s Fare selections daily. “Best Days” are created by our passionate life enrichment teams, and our highly trained professional care partners deliver resident-focused care. Great Place to Work Institute has recently honored HRA with certification as a Great Place to Work. HRA associates are chosen for their dedication to the organization’s CORE values of respect, attentiveness, integrity, stewardship and excellence.
About Harbor Retirement Associates
Harbor Retirement Associates (“HRA”) is a regional senior living development and management company, focused primarily on Assisted Living and Memory Care communities, but also engaged in the development and operations of Independent Living and Skilled Nursing communities. HRA operates 35 communities in nine states and is partnering on the construction of eight more communities in five additional states. HRA manages over $150 million in revenue and approximately $1 billion in assets while employing 2,500 associates. For more information on Harbor Retirement Associates, visit hraseniorliving.com.
