At The Heritage of Green Hills, residents enjoy more than a beautiful campus, vibrant lifestyle, and engaging programs—they benefit from an extraordinary leadership model that sets this community apart. Guided by a partnership between a dedicated governing board, experienced on-site management, and forward-thinking ownership, The Heritage is thriving today and well-positioned for tomorrow.
A Steady Hand in Times of Change
The Heritage opened in 2009, and Executive Director Doug Walther has led the community since 2012. Over the years, he has guided residents and staff through both challenges and achievements. When the independent governing board was formally established in 2022, the community was emerging from a period of financial stress that had affected many senior living organizations nationwide due to the pandemic.
Through that transition, Walther stayed focused on what mattered most: excellent service for residents. “Doug has been there through good times and bad,” says Board Chair Lorna Gleason. “His dedication to residents and his ability to stay true to the community’s values gave us confidence that we could stabilize and move forward.”
Today, thanks to collaborative leadership, The Heritage has reinvested in its future and strengthened its foundation. Ongoing renovations, refreshes, and new improvements on the scenic 80-acre campus keep the community vibrant and modern.
A Board Unlike Any Other
The Heritage’s governing board is unusual in the world of senior living. While the community has a very active Residents Council that meets regularly with Walther and other onsite leadership to address the day-to-day concerns of the residents, The Heritage also boasts an independent board composed of professionals with deep expertise in finance, law, healthcare, and real estate.
That independence ensures decisions are made with objectivity and long-term vision. “We have members who have managed crisis situations, raised capital for health care, or advised senior living organizations in challenging times,” says Gleason. “That experience allows us to support Doug and his team in a way that’s both practical and forward-thinking.”
Board members also make it a point to connect directly with residents. Each year, they come to campus for meetings with the Resident Council, followed by open conversations and shared meals. These interactions reinforce that every decision — financial, operational, or developmental — ultimately centers on residents’ needs, preferences, and quality of life.
A Culture That Puts Residents First
From the ownership side, Certus CEO William Haase emphasizes that culture drives everything at The Heritage. “What makes this community unique is that residents come first, employees come second, and everything else follows,” he explains. “When you take care of people first, financial stability and long-term success are natural results.”
This philosophy has created a culture where residents feel valued and supported, employees are engaged, and leadership at every level works in alignment. It’s a rare balance that blends business acumen with human connection.
A Lifestyle That Inspires
The Heritage of Green Hills’ Well by Design® wellness program is an award-winning approach that empowers residents to thrive across eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, vocational, environmental, and health services. Through classes, clubs, excursions, and activities, residents find endless opportunities to stay active, connected, and fulfilled.
Dining is another highlight of life at The Heritage. Residents enjoy restaurant-style meals prepared by talented culinary professionals who take pride in creating menus that are both nutritious and delicious.
And if needs change, residents can rely on the on-campus Care Center, which offers expert Personal Care and Memory Care with the same commitment to respect, compassion, and individuality that defines the entire community.
“The Heritage is a lively, beautiful place filled with accomplished, engaged residents,” says Gleason. “It’s our responsibility — and our joy — to make sure it stays that way.”
To learn more about the vibrant, resident-focused lifestyle at The Heritage, visit https://heritageofgreenhills.com and schedule your personal tour today.