Leadership & Board of Trustees

MICHAEL A. O’BRIEN, FACHE-  Vice President of Chatham Place at Mary Wade

Michael has been appointed the Executive Director of Chatham Place. Michael brings forty years of senior executive leadership experience in senior care and acute care settings with demonstrated success in strategic planning; operations; program and facility development; and staff, physician and community relations. Michael recently retired as the President and CEO of Duncaster, a Life Plan Community in Bloomfield. During his tenure he guided the community through significant growth and facility development, improvement in the quality of healthcare and wellness services, enhancement of life enrichment programs and services, active community stewardship and strong financial performance. Michael has a BA in Psychology from Fairfield University, a Masters in Health Administration from St. Louis University and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Michael has served on the Board of LeadingAge Connecticut, the Connecticut Assisted Living Association, St. Mary’s Hospital, and several other community social service agencies.

LYNN IVERSON – Vice President of Mary Wade Healthcare 

Over 40 years experience in long term care services , encompassing all levels of care: Skilled nursing, residential care, adult day program, assisted living, out patient therapy.

Majority of experience in the non profit sector, have also held regional clinical and operational positions. Previous President/CEO Hewitt Organization. Most recently VP Clinical Operations at Waveny Lifecare Network in New Canaan.

Have served on the Money Follows the Person advisory committee. Former member Board of Directors Leading Age CT. Current Board member The Hewitt Foundation

B.S. Southern CT State University,  Nursing, Registered Nurse. Long Term Care certificate program University of Connecticut, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. M.B.A. University of New Haven

VALERIE SANTOS – Vice President Employee Relations

Valerie joined Mary Wade in October 2022 bringing 18 years of Human Resources executive leadership experience in senior living.  She has overall responsibility for HR Operations including the administration of the wage, salary, and benefits programs to ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations pertaining to employment matters.  Valerie is a 2015 fellow of the LeadingAge Connecticut Leadership Academy and served as coach for the Connecticut Leadership Academy from 2017 to 2019. She earned a certificate in Strategic Leadership from the University of Hartford’s Center for Professional Development in 2013.  Valerie has over 27 years of Human Resources experience working at Duncaster, a Life Plan community and ING Investments. She is most proud of establishing and championing the Diversity & Inclusion and Employee Wellness programs.  She brings to Mary Wade proven strategies for talent acquisition, employee engagement and retention approaches.  She earned her B.S. in Marketing at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI along with an Associates Degree in Public Relations, Advertising and Retail Management.

LISA HOTTIN – Vice President Advancement

Appointed in January 2018, Lisa Hottin serves as Mary Wade’s Director of Development and is responsible for fundraising, special events, marketing and communications. She brings to Mary Wade more than 25 years of experience in annual giving, capital campaigns and planned giving.   Prior to her appointment, Lisa led development efforts for Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT and Yale School of Nursing where she served as the first Development Director for the graduate nursing program. Early in her career, Lisa gained experience in the healthcare industry serving for 10 years in positions of increasing responsibility for a clinical medical laboratory. She earned her BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her Masters of Science from Columbia.

KERREN A. RUFFNER, RN- Director of Clinical Services

Kerren Ruffner, RN, Certified Director of Nursing Services – CT, is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience in hospital and long-term care settings. Her high level of experience with State and Federal guidelines as well as her interpersonal skills when interacting with the residents, staff, families, and regulatory agencies allow her to focus on the quality of care delivered by her team. Kerren was most recently at the Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation Center where she held the roles of Assistant Director of Nursing/Admissions Coordinator and Director of Nursing. Kerren has also received recognition for her training with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology for Infection Prevention in the Long-Term Care Setting.

WILLIAM GINTER – Vice President Finance

Mr. Ginter began his service as Mary Wade’s CFO on August 5, 2019.  Mr. Ginter has more than three decades of professional experience in healthcare financial management and has served in the following roles:  Controller, Director of Financial Planning, Director of Finance, and Director of Budget and Decision Support for several hospitals in Connecticut.  Mr. Ginter holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Connecticut.  Mr. Ginter is a senior member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

IVETTE OLIVERAS – Property Manager

Ivette started working with The Mary Wade Home in September of 2013 as the Leasing Assistant. Four months later, she was promoted to Property Manager to manage the properties outside Mary Wade. There were 8 houses and 13 tenants in total. In addition, Ivette also directs The Fair Haven Community Parade and where she has done so for several years. Outside work, Ivette is a wife and mother to three wonderful children and is in the process of adopting a fourth child.