At Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS), we believe that older adults should live with dignity and comfort in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment no matter their financial situation.

That’s why we're proud to own and manage 30 rent-subsidized, affordable senior living communities that provide a variety of options and services not often found in housing for seniors with limited incomes.

Earlier this year, we said goodbye to our previous Vice President of Affordable Living and In-Home Services, Kathy Ison-Lind. Kathy served ERS for more than 18 years before retiring in February. Then, in March, we welcomed a new individual to our Leadership team: Dr. James “Jimmy” Wilson. 

As the new Vice President of Affordable Living, Jimmy provides strategic leadership, management oversight, and development of new communities for Affordable Living by ERS. He previously served as the Vice President of Housing at Talbert House, another Cincinnati-based nonprofit. 

We recently sat down with Jimmy to learn more about him and his new role with ERS.

Q: Welcome to the Episcopal Retirement Services family! How have your first few months with the organization been?    

Jimmy: It’s been an amazing experience meeting all of the wonderful team members at ERS.  This is such a dynamic organization providing housing and care to the elders we’re so privileged to serve. My early months have been focused on getting to know the organization, becoming acquainted with the amazing team members I’m serving alongside, and learning more about operational challenges and opportunities.

Q: Will you describe your new role at Episcopal Retirement Services? What are your current responsibilities?   

Jimmy: My role will consist of providing strategic leadership to all of the development and operations of our Affordable Living communities, in particular. As a member of the Servant Leadership Team for the ERS, I’ll also have the opportunity to move the organization forward in care for both staff and residents.

Q: What do you like most about your role so far? 

Jimmy: I like meeting employees of the organization and hearing about the life experiences that brought them to ERS and their passion for the work that keeps them engaged and excited to come to work every day. While I have not had many interactions with residents, in large part, due to COVID-19 related restrictions, I have had some greetings from them. I’m eager to meet many more residents.

Q: You served as the Vice President of Housing at Talbert House for the last eight years. What lessons did you learn in that role that you think you’ll use at ERS? 

Jimmy: My work at Talbert House allowed me to move to the Cincinnati area (I relocated from Louisville, KY) and become better acquainted with the region as a whole. I’m grateful to know that there are many people and organizations here interested in providing quality housing and care for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. 

Q: What first sparked your interest in aging services, affordable living, and not-for-profit culture? 

Jimmy: Well, I entered the affordable living field fresh out of college. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do until a director in the HUD office in Louisville reached out to me and asked me to apply for a position there. While being exposed to HUD policies, asset management, property management, I soon discovered that providing housing and services for older adults was an area that aligned with my passion for caring for others.  

Q: You’re very active in your church. What kind of work do you do there? 

Jimmy: I’ve served in various pastoral roles, including serving as a senior pastor while in Louisville. Currently, I serve as an associate pastor in Roselawn. I assist the senior pastor in preaching, teaching, ministry coordination, fiscal management, and just about anything else.  There’s seldom a dull moment while serving in ministry.  

Q: You’re also on the Executive Committee of the NAACP’s local chapter. What advice do you have for people looking to get more involved with their community? 

Jimmy: Most communities are always in need of civic- and community-minded people to volunteer their skills, insights, expertise, or just helping hands to make life better for others. I encourage people to find ways to serve and help others in ways that align with their personal interests, values, and schedule. 

We’re more than thrilled to have Dr. Jimmy Wilson in the ERS family! If you have specific questions about Affordable Living by ERS, click here. To browse our open career opportunities, visit our website.