LCS CEO Nelson Announces Succession Plan, Bird Promoted
August 20, 2024
DES MOINES, IA — After nearly four decades in the senior living industry, LCS CEO Joel Nelson has announced his succession plan. CEO at LCS since 2018, Nelson is one of only four people who have held that title since the company’s start in 1971.
Chris Bird, who is LCS’s current president/COO, will be promoted to president/CEO effective January 1, 2025. Nelson will continue to serve as Chairman of the LCS Board and as a member of the company’s Investment Committee. He will also complete his remaining term on the Argentum Board of Directors.
“Chris is exceptionally qualified to lead LCS through our next chapter of growth,” said Nelson in a press release. “One of the key decision points when we hired Chris seven years ago was his belief and commitment to the LCS culture and values. I am excited to leverage Chris’ experience, energy, and passion to continue evolving the LCS strategy into the future.”
Nelson has served the senior-living industry since starting his career in LCS Operations in 1986. After serving in various officer- and executive-level roles, he was chosen to launch a new LCS company, LCS Real Estate, in 2011. The success of that work expanded Nelson’s role in the company and led to his promotion to president/COO in 2015, and president/CEO in 2018.
“LCS wouldn’t be where we are today without Joel’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to our team, residents, and partners,” said Bird. “He has led LCS through tremendous growth and championed some of our most valuable initiatives. I have profound gratitude for all he has invested to make our organization one of the best in the senior-living industry.”
“Serving more seniors in a positive and meaningful way has been my goal since the beginning of my career,” Nelson added. “LCS has achieved success through our unwavering commitment to company culture and values. Just as important, we have the best people, the best communities, and the best partners to succeed and thrive in this business. As I reflect on my career with this announcement, I am humbled by all we’ve accomplished and thankful for the people and partners that have helped to make it all possible. I can’t imagine a higher purpose and any better people to spend nearly 40 years of my life with.”
LCS is a senior-living provider, with 132 communities that serve around 40,000 seniors in 31 states. The LCS family of companies serves the industry through management, development, real estate, group purchasing, and insurance.