Personnel

Jefferson’s Ferry Names Vivian Viloria-Fisher Chair, Board of Directors

September 10, 2019

S. SETAUKET, NY–Jefferson’s Ferry, a not for profit Life Plan Community, has elected Vivian Viloria-Fisher of Setauket to Chair its Board of Directors. She previously was Vice-Chair of the Board. George Rice, who has served as the Board Chair since 1997, has stepped down from the post but will continue as a Trustee of the board.

Viloria-Fisher, a former three-term Suffolk County legislator who was the Deputy Presiding Officer of the 5th Electoral District, joined the Jefferson’s Ferry Board of Directors in 2012 after she left public service. She was named Vice Chair in February 2014 and was recognized as Trustee of the Year by LeadingAge New York in 2017.

“The Jefferson’s Ferry community is exceedingly fortunate to have Vivian as the Chair of our Board,” said Robert E. Caulfield, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson’s Ferry. “Her keen understanding of the challenges we face, from regulatory issues to the decisions that enable us to provide the highest quality of life to our residents, makes her a valuable member of our board and our community.  The entire Board of Directors, as well as our residents, management and staff, respects Vivian tremendously as an active, engaged member of the Jefferson’s Ferry community.”

Throughout her government service and as a Trustee, Viloria-Fisher has been a tireless advocate for aging services in general. Her ability to identify and connect with the right government officials has done much to forward the Jefferson’s Ferry agenda. While in the Legislature, Viloria-Fisher’s advocacy for seniors included transportation, health and nutrition. She secured funds and grants for individuals, home heating assurance programs, and senior centers. As a Jefferson’s Ferry trustee, she travels to Washington, D.C. annually to address Capitol Hill on issues important to Jefferson’s Ferry.  She attends LeadingAge’s New York and national conferences to keep the board well informed on pertinent issues.

For more than two decades, outgoing Board Chair George Rice has been an integral and driving force in the development of Jefferson’s Ferry as a premier Life Plan Community. His involvement started long before ground was broken, and over the years Rice has been a stalwart advocate for Jefferson’s Ferry’s continued evolution to meet the changing demands and needs of the next generation of older adults. In gratitude for George Rice’s vision and commitment to the community, in June 2001, the Jefferson’s Ferry Community Center was named in his honor.

“George Rice is a founding father of Jefferson’s Ferry, and has more than earned the gratitude of all who live and work here,” said Caulfield. “His vision, commitment and expertise has been invaluable in every stage of our development and in our continuing pursuit of excellence.”

A former partner at Spellman Law in Garden City, Rice was involved in the representation of many not-for-profit sponsors who have planned, constructed, occupied and managed more than 1,000 units of subsidized and/or affordable housing. He is a Past Chairperson of Catholic Health Services of Long Island, Past Chairperson of St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Past Trustee of St. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, St. Catherine of Sienna Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Jefferson’s Ferry is a nonprofit Life Plan community for active adults age 62 and above, with cottages, apartments, assisted living, and a quality health care center all on one site that includes restaurants, fitness center, indoor pool, computer center, library, recreational areas, gardens, and gazebos. Located in South Setauket, a vibrant community along Long Island’s north shore, Jefferson’s Ferry is surrounded by various attractions, shopping, beaches, theaters, and a world-renowned university. A mix of cultural excursions, civic activities, and a community of residents who participate in shaping Jefferson’s Ferry’s future, ensures a spirited and engaged lifestyle.

Jefferson’s Ferry earned a 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, FitchRatings has assigned Jefferson’s Ferry a BBB+ bond rating. Locally, Jefferson’s Ferry has consistently been voted Best Retirement Community and Best Assisted Living on Long Island by The Long Island Press.  Jefferson’s Ferry has also regularly been recognized for Excellence by the Hauppauge Industrial Association’s Business Achievement Awards program.

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