LCS has announced that CEO Joel Nelson will be stepping down next year, with current President and COO Chris Bird set to take over as the company’s fifth leader in its 53-year history. The planned transition, effective Jan. 1, 2025, was announced today, with Bird assuming the roles of president and CEO. Nelson will continue to serve as chairman of the LCS board of directors and as a member of the company’s investment committee.
Nelson expressed confidence in Bird, stating that he is “exceptionally qualified” to lead LCS into its next phase of growth. Bird, in turn, credited Nelson for the company’s current success, acknowledging his leadership and the valuable initiatives he has championed.
LCS, the third-largest senior living provider in the U.S., operates 132 communities in 31 states. Nelson, who has been with LCS since 1986, has played a significant role in the company’s growth and development over the years.
Bird, who has been with LCS since 2018, will be taking on the CEO role after almost two years as president. In a recent interview, Nelson highlighted the launch of LCS Real Estate as a pivotal achievement during his tenure as CEO, emphasizing the importance of preparing the next generations to continue LCS’s legacy.
Under Bird’s leadership, LCS launched a new data platform to enhance operations, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, LCS is poised to continue its success under Bird’s guidance.
