ROD LEFEVER


WHY I SERVE F


orty-three individuals volunteer their time and talents as members of one of the five boards of directors overseeing Landis Communities and its affiliates. Tis column features a member of one of the boards and lists those who serve with the highlighted individual.


Rod Lefever, Landis HCBS Board of Directors, Treasurer


Tell me a little about yourself… I was born in Albany, NY, but Lancaster County was always “home.” As a child, I grew pumpkins to sell at a local farm market and gave tourists rides in a pony cart. I attended Goshen College in Indiana, then earned my MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.


After working at Farmers First Bank,


I co-founded Lancaster’s first Internet Service Provider in 1994 with three other investors. We grew rapidly through innovation and investment in new technology before being acquired by Earthlink. I then served as CTO of Susquehanna Bancshares.


I married Lauri (Hoober) in 1999. Our son was born in 2000, followed by our daughter in 2005, and soon after we adopted her slightly older sister from China. In 2012, I joined my brothers-in-law in leadership at our family business, Hoober, Inc., in Intercourse, PA, where I now serve as Director of Business Development. We attend Forest Hills Mennonite Church. Our son is married and works as a CPA, and our daughters attend Messiah University.


When did you first hear of Landis HCBS, Landis Homes, and/or Landis Communities?


I first remember visiting my great-grandparents at Landis Homes. I admired the friendships they built and the care they received from the Landis Homes team.


When did you realize you wanted to be part of the organization? My father served on the Landis Communities board when HCBS was created and shared his enthusiasm for the vision. When Larry called about joining the HCBS board, it was an easy “yes.” Joining a new, growth-oriented board was an exciting honor.


What did you notice when you joined the board? I was impressed by the history, vision, and mission of Landis Communities, with fresh energy around growing HCBS’s offerings. I also remember feeling humbled and hopeful I could make a meaningful contribution. When COVID struck, I was inspired by the team’s calm determination, flexibility, and creativity. Teir strength and shared purpose carried HCBS through, and today the organization is again thriving and growing.


How has your role with Landis HCBS affected your life? It’s given me renewed hope that care, compassion, and community remain vibrant, and that we can all strive to live those values daily.


What dreams do you have for the organization? I love the multifaceted approach that helps people “age with dignity wherever they call home.” From retirement living to innovative housing and home-based services, I hope to see these expand, especially through creative use of technology.


Why do you serve on the Board of Landis HCBS? I believe deeply in Landis Communities mission and values. My parents and in-laws are moving into Landis Communities, and I want the best experience for them, their neighbors, and someday, perhaps, for Lauri and me.


LANDIS HCBS BOARD MEMBERS


• Jackie Burch, Chair • Brent Keener, Vice-Chair • Willonda McCloud, Secretary • Rod Lefever, Treasurer • Kate Good


• Sandy Harnish • Ben Lesher • Karissa Sauder • Louisa Weber


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2025 • 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24