BRENT KEENER


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.


Brent Keener, Vice Chair of the Landis HCBS Board of Directors


Tell me a little about yourself… I was born in Georgia but my family moved here when I was 10 so my dad could take over


the family business – Keener Equipment. I went to LMS and met my wife in junior high. We were high school sweethearts. After graduation, I went to Messiah and she did missions but it did not take long after she returned for us to get engaged and then married. We have four children and five grandkids – they are all 3 and under! I joined the team at Hospice & Community Care in 2007 and currently serve as their VP of Human Resources.


When did you first hear of Landis Communities and Landis HCBS? I had several connections with Landis Communities through the years. My wife and I both had grandparents who lived at Landis Homes and we have had several people from our church who also lived there. My wife and mom both worked at Landis Homes – my wife while she was in high school and my mom was a nurse for 10 years and then worked with Landis at Home. When I visited Landis Homes, it felt like a warm, welcoming, and safe environment.


When did you start to consider being part of the organization? Larry Zook served on the Hospice Board of Directors for several years


so I got to know him and learn more about the expanded work of Landis Communities. When Larry reached out to ask if I would serve on the Landis HCBS Board, I must admit that I did not understand all that was part of HCBS. As I learned more, I grew to really appreciate the mission.


What did you notice when you joined the board? We were going through the strategic planning process and I was struck by the way the board and staff were identifying trends in aging services. Tey were looking for ways to meet the needs of an aging population – many of whom will choose to stay in their homes, rather than move to a retirement community. Since then I have noticed that while focused on established objectives, there is always a willingness to adjust or change, if needed, so older adults can receive the most meaningful programs and services.


What do you want others to know about Landis Communities and Landis HCBS? I like that Landis Communities provides options for people to live their best lives. Whether at home or at a Landis Communities location, residents and clients have access to quality care and the support they need.


Why do you serve on the Board of Landis HCBS? Te staff and boards of Landis Communities are committed to excellence and we function with the mindset that we are here to serve residents and clients with “the hands and feet of Jesus.” Being part of this is very special to me.


LANDIS HOME AND COMMUNITY- BASED SERVICES BOARD MEMBERS


• Jacqueline Burch, Chair • Brent Keener, Vice-Chair • Willonda McCloud, Secretary • Rodney Lefever, Treasurer • Sandy Harnish


• Kate Good • Ben Lesher • Karissa Sauder • Louisa Weber


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2024 • 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