Teresa Scott Named Chair; Janet Stringfellow Elected Chair-Elect
TALLAHASSEE—LeadingAge Southeast proudly announces Teresa Scott, President/CEO of Penney Retirement Community, as Chair of the Board of Trustees. She was formally inducted during the association’s Annual Convention and Exposition, the largest gathering of senior living leaders in the Southeast.
With more than 40 years of experience in health care and senior living, Scott brings extraordinary depth to the role. She has led Penney Retirement Community in Green Cove Springs since 2014 and previously spent 27 years in leadership roles at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.
She is widely recognized for her strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to quality care. Scott is actively engaged in multiple LeadingAge Southeast committees and represents the association on the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration panel for the Governor’s Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care.
“Teresa brings a deep commitment to mission-driven leadership and an unwavering dedication to serving older adults,” said Steve Bahmer, LeadingAge Southeast President & CEO. “Her experience, insight, and values make her the perfect person to lead our Board at this important time. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue advancing our advocacy, education, and member support across the region.”
Also elected to the board:
- Janet Stringfellow, President of Volunteers of America of Florida, was named Chair-Elect. She is a visionary advocate known for expanding housing and supportive services for veterans and older adults. She previously served as Secretary.
- Steve Kramer, President/CEO of The Mayflower at Winter Park, was elected Secretary (formerly Treasurer).
- Alex Maliwacki, COO of Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, was elected Treasurer (formerly At-Large Trustee).
Two new At-Large Trustees were also welcomed:
- Kerry Gerrity, Chief Operating Officer, Orlando Senior Health Network
- Jim Polaski, Senior Vice President of Operations, Westminster Communities of Florida
2025–2026 Board Officers
- Chair: Teresa Scott – Penney Retirement Community, Green Cove Springs, FL
- Chair-Elect: Janet Stringfellow – Volunteers of America of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL
- Immediate Past Chair: Garry Hennis – Westminster Communities of Florida, Orlando, FL
- Secretary: Steve Kramer – The Mayflower at Winter Park, Winter Park, FL
- Treasurer: Alex Maliwacki – Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, Sarasota, FL
- CCRC Public Policy Chair: Troy Churchill – Cypress Living, Fort Myers, FL
- ALF/HCBS Public Policy Chair: Brooke McLean – Air Force Enlisted Village, Shalimar, FL
- Nursing Home Public Policy Chair: Mauri Mizrahi – River Garden Senior Services, Jacksonville, FL
- Affordable Housing Public Policy Chair: Christopher Tomlin – Methodist Homes of Alabama and Northwest Florida, Birmingham, AL
At-Large Trustees
- Rachel Blumberg – Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences Boca Raton, Boca Raton, FL
- Brad Bodie – Abbey Delray South, Delray Beach, FL
- Kendall Bryan – Vicar’s Landing, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- Scott Crabtree – Lambeth House, New Orleans, LA
- Susan George – Edgewater at Boca Pointe, Boca Raton, FL
- Kerry Gerrity – Orlando Senior Health Network, Orlando, FL
- Rick Oros – Lifespace Communities, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Jim Polaski – Westminster Communities of Florida, Orlando, FL
- Angela Roher – Freedom Plaza Sun City Center, Sun City, FL
- Jay Solomon – Aviva Senior Living, Sarasota, FL
- Jennifer Stevens – John Knox Village of Florida, Pompano Beach, FL
“This Board brings together some of the most forward-thinking, experienced, and mission-driven leaders in aging services,” Bahmer said. “Their vision and expertise will strengthen our sector and guide us through a pivotal time of change and opportunity.”
About LeadingAge Southeast
Established in 1963, LeadingAge Southeast is the premier association serving high-quality senior living providers across the continuum of care in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the Legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers to help member communities best serve the needs of older adults.