Order Reprints

GRAND RAPIDS — Lutheran Social Services of Michigan has promoted MapleCreek Executive Director Susan Lemon of Grand Rapids to Vice President of Senior Adult Services statewide.

While a search is underway for her replacement at MapleCreek, Lemon will divide her time between continuing to administer the full-continuum senior living campus in southeast Grand Rapids and fulfilling her new statewide role from the organization’s headquarters in Detroit. Lemon is expected to be based in Detroit full-time about Sept. 1, 2011.

Under Lemon’s leadership, the campus remained in operation during a two-year $32 million project, utilizing mostly local subcontractors and building suppliers. This resulted in a comprehensive makeover for the newly re-branded senior living community that continues to impress visitors. The project included the renovation and expansion of the catered independent living apartments and skilled nursing and memory care centers, introduction of independent living condo-style homes in a wooded setting, and construction of a spacious rehabilitation center – all while accommodating the needs of the senior residents. During her 10 years at MapleCreek, Lemon guided a change in service delivery from a medical model to a resident-focused model. “It will be my pleasure” was the attitude impressed on the staff. In addition, food service transitioned to a restaurant service approach with each resident’s meal freshly prepared, plated and served.

Lemon has been employed by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan for 11 years, previously serving as Director of Quality Long-Term Care and consulting for skilled nursing centers in Michigan and Indiana. She has worked in the senior services field for nearly 30 years, with experience in long-term care in a variety of settings. These include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and home care services. Lemon is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1980 at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

  Order Reprints

TAGS:

• economic development
• grand rapids
• lutheran social services
• susan lemon