Continuity and Transformation
From the earliest days, Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community has evolved and grown under the leadership of talented and visionary individuals. How else could a humble, isolated home for impoverished Brethren widows thrive and transform itself into the largest single-site nonprofit retirement community in Pennsylvania, known to all who drive through the busiest intersection in Adams County?
This succession of gifted leaders – starting with Daniel and Wealthy Burkholder, our first Steward and Matron in 1908 – didn’t happen by chance. Through its various incarnations, “The Home” has been invariably governed by a dedicated and visionary board with significant representation from the Church of the Brethren. As demonstrated when they approved the move from Huntsdale to Cross Keys, the construction of the early cottages, the completion of Harmony Ridge, and the revolutionary Brookside memory care residence, the board is hardworking, engaged, knowledgeable, and bold. These qualities on our board shine bright when the time comes to transition from one leader to the next.
When CEO Jeff Evans announced that he would retire in late 2024 after 12 years of successful and transformative leadership at CKV, the board wasted no time planning a comprehensive search for the perfect candidate to succeed him. Vice President of H.R. Kelley Mitchell was instrumental in the effort, which also involved the Deffet Group, a leading executive search consulting company that specializes in senior living services. Collaborative research was completed before the position was posted. This helped define the skills that will be needed from a new leader to see CKV through the fast-changing environment expected in the aging services industry in coming years. Board Vice Chair Jim Wissler took on the responsibility of chairing the Search Committee in close collaboration with board Chair Karl Lehman. The best-qualified candidates sat for interviews with the full board, with two groups from CKV leadership, and with our Village Council.
On October 3, Karl Lehman had the pleasure of announcing that Beverly Asper would be appointed as our new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 2, 2024. Beverly comes to us with a 35-year career in the aging services field. A strategic and innovative leader, she is passionate about creating strong and vibrant communities that promote wellness and vitality for residents and team members.
As the expression goes, Beverly Asper will be standing on the shoulders of the giants who have preceded her – from Daniel and Wealthy Burkholder all the way to Jeff Evans. May God bless Jeff in his retirement and continue to favor Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home as we enter a promising new era.