UCH Executive Leader Retires After 40 Years in Healthcare Management and Senior Living

Chuck Mooney, senior vice president of senior living services and chief operating officer, will retire from United Church Homes in December after seven years of service to UCH and a fulfilling career in nonprofit senior living and healthcare management that spans four decades.

Chuck has been an integral part of UCH’s journey to transform aging and has made outstanding contributions in the field of senior living services.

Growing the Mission

Arguably, Chuck’s biggest impact at UCH has been in the areas of growth and quality. UCH has added four communities since 2015 — Glenwood Community and Harmar Place in Marietta, Ohio; Pilgrim Manor in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Trinity Community at Miami Township in greater Dayton, Ohio. A new regional brand, Trinity Communities of Greater Dayton, debuted in August. UCH also manages SEM Haven in Milford, Ohio; Friendship Village Columbus in Ohio’s capital; and Uplands Village in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee.

Since 2014, UCH has increased the total number of residents served by 40 percent, from 900 to 1,492.

Capital Projects, Campus Master Plans

Also during Chuck’s tenure, UCH completed many capital projects, including a $10 million renovation at Friendship Village Columbus and a $7.2 million renovation at Fairhaven Community. During this time, UCH also expanded its independent living services by adding 52 village homes or cottages at Kroft Commons at Chapel Hill, the Cove at Parkvue and Trinity Community at Beavercreek.

With Chuck’s guidance, UCH leadership developed campus master plans for Parkvue Community, Trinity at Miami Township and Chapel Hill Community. For instance, Parkvue now has all private suites in its short-term rehab neighborhood, a renovated therapy center and a new Aquatic Center. Parkvue’s Follett Court memory care neighborhood is now a state-of-the-art home for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related conditions.

Compassion, Support and Sage Advice

Chuck’s leadership has centered around mentorship and support, Chapel Hill Executive Director Debbie Durbin said.

“Chuck has demonstrated confidence in me by allowing autonomy in my leadership at Chapel Hill, while providing support, sprinkled with compassion and sage advice,” she said. “I will miss Chuck as my mentor, but with his retirement, I am proud to consider him my friend.”

David Zack, corporate director of operations, has worked with Chuck in a variety of positions spanning seven years. He said Chuck is skilled at communicating in an articulate and empathetic manner.

“Chuck is not one who relishes being in the spotlight — he is quick to shine the light on others who excel at their work,” David said. “He is compassionate, especially toward those who are most in need. He is passionate about his profession, and he continuously seeks ways to improve the senior living industry and the care provided to older adults.”

Hospice Joint Venture

Chuck spearheaded a joint venture for UCH with Ohio’s Hospice, which launched in 2019 as Ohio’s Hospice at United Church Homes. UCH residents needing hospice and palliative care can receive services while remaining in the comfort of their community. The team is committed to increase access and service offerings to reduce suffering, pain,
helplessness and unwanted waiting for people in need of hospice, palliative care and chronic disease management services.

“This partnership will improve the well-being of older adults who choose hospice and palliative care when they are seriously ill or approaching end of life,” Chuck said. “It’s more compassionate to keep residents in a comfortable setting, with care teams they know, and provide additional services as needs change.”

Focus on Quality

Quality has been a strategic priority for UCH during Chuck’s tenure. UCH uses the American Health Care Association’s national quality awards program as a framework for its quality management program, and all UCH senior living communities have achieved the Bronze Award or better in the AHCA program (see related story).

Under Chuck’s leadership, UCH senior living communities have added specialized memory care programs, such as Comfort Matters®, Music & Memory and Opening Minds through Art, that aim to help residents living with memory impairment to engage more fully in life. Additionally, UCH communities have added new technology, such as It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L), a state-of-the-art system using touch-screen technology and picture-based software, and Eversound, a group-oriented headphone solution that enables residents with profound hearing loss to be more engaged in life-enrichment programming.

Transforming Aging

Through all the changes and advancements, support from other staff members has been critical to the success of these major projects. Chuck said he can’t take credit for all UCH has accomplished.

“Many people are doing really good work, and should get recognition,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with great working relationships. The aspirational quality of our mission statement — to transform aging — is inspiring and makes you want to get up in the morning and contribute to the mission.”

Industry Contributions

Chuck also has made significant contributions to the senior living profession. He serves on the Kent State University Nursing Home Administrator Advisory Committee and served on a LeadingAge Ohio workgroup to determine the feasibility of members developing an insurance company to offer Medicare Advantage plans to consumers.

Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, said it has been the privilege of his career to work with Chuck.

“At this point, United Church Homes is a better, stronger, more forward-looking organization because Chuck has been a part of our leadership team,” Rev. Daniel said.