In an effort to add specialized leadership dedicated to supporting the organization’s growth strategy, WesleyLife has announced the creation of a new executive development role and tapped an internal leader to fill it.
Ward Phillips, who has served the organization for more than five years in sales leadership roles, has been named Vice President of Market Strategy and Business Development for WesleyLife.
“We are in a period of unprecedented growth and development for the organization, and Ward’s experience and expertise support our short- and long-term strategies around enhancing our health and well-being services to meet an ever-increasing need,” WesleyLife President and CEO Rob Kretzinger said.
“As we work to shift perceptions around aging, we’re of course seeking to broaden our reach, and I look forward to Ward’s leadership in helping to grow and expand our mission.”
Phillips joined WesleyLife in 2017 as Director of Sales and was promoted to Senior Director in 2020. He joined WesleyLife with a decade of experience in senior living sales and marketing, working with communities across Iowa and the Midwest in census-building, acquisitions, master planning, expansions, new development projects, and sales-team leadership.
He earned degrees in marketing and journalism/mass communication from Iowa State University.
“I’m honored to continue to be a part of the non-profit leader in health and well-being, and I could not be more optimistic and excited about the future of this industry,” Phillips said. “WesleyLife is in the perfect position to innovatively and dynamically impact the landscape of senior housing and services — now and for generations to come.”
Phillips will continue to be based at WesleyLife’s organizational headquarters in Johnston.
