ERS Board members bring a wide range of skills and experience to the organization that helps ERS excel in its mission to create communities for older adults that are the gold standard in the industry. “ERS will address the broader community’s needs and aim to provide the highest level of aging services and quality of life for older adults,” says JoAnn Hagopian, Chair of the Board.
In 2019, ERS was thrilled to welcome three new board members Elizabeth Lilly, Jenny Payne, and Arnie Austin. Learn more about them below!
Jenny Payne, Board Member, Vice Chair of the Marketing Committee
Occupation: Founder of BrandSanity
Areas of expertise: Marketing, brand strategies, and innovation
How did you get involved? I met Laura Lamb about a year ago, and we had a great conversation. The next thing I knew, I had been recommended to the board.
Why do you volunteer? There is such a need to bring promise, thoughtfulness, and joy to elders. This organization is person-centric in every detail. I know I can help the staff and leadership team with strategies and marketing.
How do you spend your free time? Playing pickleball, gardening, and spending time with my family, including a new granddaughter.
Something people might not know about you: I had a decorating business for about four years and wrote a book about marketing for interior decorators.
Elizabeth Lilly, Alternate Resident Representative, Marjorie P. Lee
Former occupations: Textbook editor at Scott Foresman Publishing Co., community relations for Illinois Institute of Technology and Cincinnati Country Day School, Executive Director of Colorado Opera Festival
Areas of expertise: Fund-raising strategies
Why do you volunteer on the Board? I just really enjoy it and like to know about all the things that are going on.
The most rewarding part of being on the board: Learning about ERS’s affordable living communities.
How do you spend your free time? Reading and walking outside. I also love going to the symphony, opera, and Linton Series.
Something people might not know about you: I started singing in church choirs at age 7, and with just a few breaks, have been part of a church choir, college glee club, and now the Marjorie P. Lee chorus, ever since.
Arnie Austin, alternative Resident Representative, Deupree House
Former Occupation: Procter & Gamble, technical trainer for sales staff servicing the medical community
Areas of expertise: Management
How long have you been with ERS? My wife and I have lived at Deupree House for five years, and she was on the board 25 or 30 years ago. We’ve always had great familiarity with the organization and what it does.
The most rewarding part of serving on the Board? I enjoy understanding everything that is happening with the communities and being part of the decision process.
How do you spend your free time? I do a lot of reading, mainly biographies, history, and mysteries. I’m also an avid golfer.
Something people might not know about you: I’m a Cubs fan. I was born and raised in the Chicago area.
The Board is always exploring new approaches to delivering the ERS mission while maintaining its commitment to continuing care retirement communities and affordable living communities in the Cincinnati and Louisville regions. With the arrival of these new board members in 2019, we are thrilled to see what 2020 brings!
