WesleyLife today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously selected Allison Pendroy, current chief operating officer, as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer, effective June 1, 2026.
Pendroy will succeed Rob Kretzinger, who in December announced his intention to retire after nearly 30 years with the organization. Kretzinger will continue serving as president and CEO until June and will transition into a senior advisor role after June 1.
Pendroy joined WesleyLife in July 2023 as chief operating officer and has played a key role in strengthening operations, supporting communities and services, and advancing organizational priorities across the nonprofit network. She brings to the new role nearly 20 years of experience in senior living, including operational leadership and financial stewardship roles prior to joining WesleyLife.
Pendroy is recognized nationally for her leadership in aging services. She served on the NIC Future Leaders Council (2015–2018), contributing to national discussions on industry trends, data transparency, and innovation. She has served as a national conference panelist at events including the Ziegler Finance Conference, Interface Seniors Housing Midwest, HealthTAC, Senior Living Advocacy, and various NIC Bootcamps, and is a graduate of the Drake Executive Leadership Development Program.
Pendroy's appointment reflects years of thoughtful succession planning, during which the board observed her leadership, operational discipline, and alignment with WesleyLife’s mission, vision, and values.
“Selecting the next president and CEO of WesleyLife is one of the board’s most important responsibilities, and this decision reflects years of thoughtful succession planning,” Chad Rasmussen, chair of the WesleyLife Board of Directors, said.
“Since joining WesleyLife in 2023, Allison has consistently demonstrated the character, operational leadership, financial strength and mission alignment that define effective stewardship. After a careful evaluation and formal interview, the board unanimously selected her as the right leader for WesleyLife’s next stage of growth and impact. We are excited for the future under Allison’s leadership.”
Kretzinger, shown here with Pendroy, has served as WesleyLife's president and CEO since 2003 after spending seven years as the organization's COO. He expressed strong support for the appointment of Pendroy, whom he had recommended to the board as his successor.
“It has been an honor to serve WesleyLife for nearly three decades, and I could not be more confident in Allison stepping into this role,” Kretzinger said. “In her time as COO, she has strengthened our organization in meaningful ways: partnering closely with teams, leading with courage and compassion, and consistently grounding decisions in our mission.
"Allison understands WesleyLife at every level, and she brings the vision, energy and integrity needed to carry this work forward. I am grateful for the board’s discernment and excited for what this next chapter holds for our residents, clients, team members and the communities we serve.”
Pendroy said she is honored to have been selected and looks forward to guiding WesleyLife through its next phase of growth and expansion.
“I am deeply honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead WesleyLife into its next chapter,” Pendroy said. “This organization has shaped the lives of older adults for nearly 80 years, and I have been inspired every day by the passion and purpose of our teams.
"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. I look forward to partnering with our leaders, teams, donors, partners and stakeholders in this important work.”
The board will begin searching immediately for the organization's next chief operating officer.
About WesleyLife
The Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for older adults, WesleyLife believes everyone should have the opportunity to live a life of continued growth, engagement, and meaning—and to pursue joy, regardless of physical, social, or economic circumstances. Our network of communities and home services is designed to help individuals remain independent and active wherever they choose to live. Visit us at wesleylife.org.
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