Jennifer Ensign
Buffalo
Summary
Dynamic Executive Director with a proven track record at Amira Choice, driving P&L management and achieving a $325K profit turnaround. Expert in multi-site operations and team development, fostering a high-performing culture that prioritizes resident satisfaction and employee engagement. Committed to strategic planning and regulatory compliance to enhance organizational success.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Amira Choice, Ebenezer
Plymouth
10.2023 - Current
- Directed operations and P&L oversight for new IL/AL/Respite/MC community under Ebenezer brand.
- Reversed $350K annual deficit to achieve $325K profit within first year.
- Executed People Enablement strategy encompassing onboarding, leadership development, and retention initiatives.
- Coached leadership teams in financial literacy and accountability to ensure KPI achievement.
- Cultivated high-performing culture based on servant leadership, collaboration, and resident-first service.
Director of Human Resources & People Engagement
PharmD Live
Washington
02.2022 - 09.2023
- Established and led first HR department, implementing policies, compliance measures, and systems.
- Designed comprehensive onboarding, training, and total-rewards programs to enhance employee retention.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR strategy with business objectives and compliance requirements.
- Improved performance management processes and internal communication for distributed workforce support.
Executive Director / HR Director
Stonebay Senior Living
Orono
03.2020 - 03.2022
- Established and stabilized new IL/AL/Respite/MC community during COVID, achieving 80% occupancy in 18 months.
- Oversaw operations and financial performance to meet budgetary objectives.
- Implemented employee engagement programs that enhanced retention and morale.
- Ensured consistent compliance with state regulations and exceeded quality standards.
Executive Director / HR Director
Pathway to Living LLC
Ramsey
10.2018 - 02.2020
- Drove operational, HR, and sales initiatives, increasing employee retention by 24% within 12 months.
- Implemented standardized onboarding and training processes to enhance team readiness.
- Fostered team engagement through effective communication and professional development initiatives.
Executive Director / HR Director
Life Care Services
Crystal
06.2015 - 10.2018
- Achieved 95% occupancy after years of underperformance, leading turnaround of second property within 16 months.
- Developed onboarding and mentorship programs for new Executive Directors across region.
- Enhanced regional collaboration and accountability through transparent financial reporting and targeted coaching.
Executive Director / HR Director
Edgewood Senior Living
Virginia
09.2013 - 02.2015
- Transformed leadership culture at 220-bed IL/AL/MC community, stabilizing staffing and operations.
- Supported 330+ bed sister property to enhance consistency in quality and compliance.
Regional Director of HR / Executive Director
Keystone Communities
Minneapolis
01.2011 - 06.2013
- Oversaw HR functions for six senior living communities, managing recruitment, training, and compliance.
- Transitioned into Executive Director role for an underperforming site; achieved full survey readiness and operational turnaround.
- Drove organizational improvements that elevated employee engagement and operational efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration & Information Systems
Devry University
Chicago, IL09.2026
Skills
- Multi-site operations leadership
- P&L management
- KPI optimization
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Regulatory compliance
- Senior living expertise
- Team development
- Strategic planning
- Resident satisfaction
- Employee satisfaction
- Marketing growth
- Servant leadership
- Organizational culture
Certification
- Licensed Assisted Living Director, 10/01/22
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care Training
Leadership Philosophy
I believe exceptional operations begin with exceptional people. My leadership is rooted in servant leadership, ensuring that residents, employees, and families feel valued, supported, and heard. I lead with compassion, integrity, and accountability, fostering a culture where collaboration drives performance and every moment matters.
Selected Achievements
- Turned around a new senior living community from a $350K annual deficit to a $325K profit within 12 months.
- Drove occupancy to 80% in 18 months at a new community launch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Achieved 95% census in a historically underperforming community after six years of missed budgets.
- Established a full HR infrastructure for a healthcare technology company, improving engagement and retention.
- Oversaw HR operations for six communities, ensuring compliance, survey readiness, and workforce stability.
Accomplishments
Dean's List
Timeline
Executive Director
Amira Choice, Ebenezer
10.2023 - Current
Director of Human Resources & People Engagement
PharmD Live
02.2022 - 09.2023
Executive Director / HR Director
Stonebay Senior Living
03.2020 - 03.2022
Executive Director / HR Director
Pathway to Living LLC
10.2018 - 02.2020
Executive Director / HR Director
Life Care Services
06.2015 - 10.2018
Executive Director / HR Director
Edgewood Senior Living
09.2013 - 02.2015
Regional Director of HR / Executive Director
Keystone Communities
01.2011 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration & Information Systems
Devry University