Today marks an important milestone for WesleyLife as Allison Pendroy officially begins her tenure as president and chief executive officer.
Pendroy, who has served as WesleyLife’s chief operating officer since July 2023, succeeds Rob Kretzinger, who announced in December his intention to retire after nearly 30 years with the organization. Kretzinger, who served as president and CEO since 2003 after seven years as chief operating officer, is transitioning into a senior advisor role.
For WesleyLife, this leadership change reflects both continuity and momentum. Pendroy’s appointment follows years of thoughtful succession planning by the WesleyLife Board of Directors, which unanimously selected her to lead the organization into its next phase of growth, innovation, and service.
“Allison has consistently demonstrated the character, operational leadership, financial strength, and mission alignment that define effective stewardship,” Chad Rasmussen, chair of the WesleyLife Board, said when the appointment was announced. “After a careful evaluation and formal interview, the board knew we needed to look no further."
Played a key role
Since joining WesleyLife, Pendroy has played a key role in strengthening operations, supporting communities and services, and advancing organizational priorities across the nonprofit network. Her leadership has helped guide progress in areas including hospitality, growth, financial performance, recruitment and retention, census and occupancy, and the expansion of services designed to meet older adults wherever they call home.
She brings nearly 20 years of experience in aging services, with a background that includes operations, finance, real estate, asset management, customer experience, and strategic growth. Before joining WesleyLife, Pendroy spent more than 14 years with Life Care Services, where she served most recently as senior vice president of life plan communities, with accountability for 26 communities throughout the United States.
Pendroy also is recognized nationally for her leadership in aging services. She served on the NIC Future Leaders Council from 2015 to 2018 and has been a national conference panelist for organizations and events including the Ziegler Finance Conference, Interface Seniors Housing Midwest, HealthTAC, Senior Living Advocacy, and NIC Bootcamps. She also is a graduate of the Drake Executive Leadership Development Program.
Just as important as her professional experience is the way Pendroy leads. In reflecting on her first year with WesleyLife, she described herself as approachable, curious, and committed to listening deeply before acting.
“People bring their best here every day, and that makes it easy for me to be intentional about building connections,” Pendroy said. “As a leader, I want everyone to know I am approachable; that I am open to ideas and want to hear them.”
"Optimistic leader"
Kretzinger has described Pendroy as an optimistic and encouraging leader with a rare ability to bring people along with her.
“With Allison, we gained someone with such a nice blend of heart and passion for the work we do, combined with intelligence and experience in our sector,” Kretzinger said. “She has jumped right in with both feet from the very beginning and has had a very positive impact.”
Pendroy begins her role as president and CEO at a pivotal time for WesleyLife. The organization continues to expand its reach, strengthen its communities for healthy living and home-based services, deepen partnerships, and create new models that support independence, health, well-being, and joy for older adults.
As she looks ahead, Pendroy has said WesleyLife’s heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, brand strength, and commitment to the changing needs of customers position the organization to continue serving as a visionary leader in aging services.
“I am committed to building on the strong foundation Rob has created: strengthening our services, advancing our mission and vision, expanding our impact, and ensuring that every person we serve can experience health, independence, well-being, and joy,” Pendroy said. “I look forward to partnering with our leaders, teams, donors, partners, and stakeholders in this important work.”
As WesleyLife welcomes Pendroy to this new role, the organization also honors Kretzinger’s decades of leadership and the strong foundation he helped build. Together, this transition reflects WesleyLife’s enduring commitment to its mission: Guided by Christian compassion, we support the independence, health, and well-being of older adults wherever they call home.