Leadership
From health care, fitness, hospitality and human resources to executive administration, sales, marketing, financial services and facilities services, our leadership team is your leadership team. They lead a staff of more than 400 full and part-time people whose goal it is to enhance the daily experience for every Member of The Cedars.
Josh Brown brings more than seven years of experience in home care and clinic leadership to his role as Director of Home Care & Clinic at The Cedars. From hiring and supervising home care staff and certified nursing assistants to managing budgets, billing, insurance claims and staffing schedules, Josh is committed to meeting Member needs and exceeding expectations.
Employed by Life Care Services, our management partner, Sara Flynn-Loy graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, earning a BS degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on Adult Development and Aging. Sara is a licensed North Carolina Nursing Home Administrator who has served on various boards and committees.
As Facilities Director, Justin Grady brings a wealth of practical experience to his leadership role at The Cedars. Since starting his career in the HVAC industry, he has systematically diversified his maintenance portfolio, gaining proficiency in a multitude of trade fields, among them senior living. As Justin says, it’s all been a process of working his way up to The Cedars of Chapel Hill.
A graduate of East Carolina University, Gavin Locklear earned a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Administration. An LCS member, he is responsible for all health care operations at The Cedars including the DuBose Health Center, the Home Care Agency, and the Physician Clinic. Before joining our team, Gavin worked as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator at Life Plan Communities and at a local CCRC.
An RN for 30 years, Lisa McCormick was Director of Nursing at The DuBose Health Center from 2007 to 2013, at which time she became a Nurse Consultant for Life Care Services. There, she helped develop and teach dementia programming and represented LCS on the Alzheimer’s Association council. The Cedars was pleased to welcome her back to her previous position in 2021.
As Director of Fine Dining for both The Cedars Clubhouse and Dubose Health Center, Craig Michaels brings more than 20 years’ experience to the table, eight of which at senior living communities. A Certified Dietary Manager with a passion for outstanding cuisine and equally outstanding service, he prides himself on dining experiences that are nothing short of amazing.
A marketing strategist and tactician with extensive experience in senior living, Teresa Mize specializes in effective, results-driven communications. As a licensed real estate broker, she also heads up our on-site real estate sales office. From sales training and event planning to PR and advertising, Teresa’s marketing and sales expertise extends to all corners of the organization.
Our Director of Financial Services, Steve Nusbaum, has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, 15 of which are in Long Term Care. Working diligently with the Club Board, the Condominium Board and the Finance Committee, Steve manages all financial aspects of The Cedars community with a unique combination of leadership, vision and financial management expertise.
Tara Pierce has more than18 years of senior living experience. A member of the International Council on Active Aging and a former NCAA Division 1 athlete, Tara develops programs designed to foster whole person wellness. As Programs Director, she aspires to make our Members feel fully engaged, actively connected and completely satisfied with their lifestyle choices.
Jose Valenzuela is an experienced HR professional who has held leadership positions in a variety of industries, among them independent and assisted living, memory care and home care. Skilled in talent acquisition, employee development and fostering positive work environments, Jose is committed to inclusive workplaces and implementing initiatives that stimulate business growth.
Brandy Watson began her nursing career in a hospital setting working in Medical-Surgical, ICU and the Operating Room before transitioning to long term care. Bringing more than 12 years of nursing experience and a passion for caring for others, Brandy is dedicated to improving the quality of life and maintaining independence throughout all stages of life.