Wildewood-Downs - Who We Are

HEATHER CZEKALSKI – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Heather joined the Wildewood Downs team in 2003. She is responsible for all aspects of life at Wildewood Downs; she is dedicated to creating and maintaining the best retirement campus in the Southeast. She utilizes her business and marketing background to ensure all departments run smoothly and efficiently. She has a Bachelors degree from the University of Houston, Houston Texas.

“I enjoy working here at Wildewood Downs immensely. Being a part of Columbia's premier retirement community is very rewarding and I strive daily to make sure that this is a secure, fun-filled haven for our residents.” Heather Czekalski.

TRACY W. JOHNSON – DIRECTOR OF NURSING
Tracy joined the Wildewood Downs team as Director of Nursing in September 2008. She comes with 15 years of healthcare experience. She has worked in many areas of nursing including Assistant Director of Nursing for a 94-bed long term care and transitional care facility. Tracy has immense compassion and care for her residents and is dedicated to ensure that each receives the highest quality of care.

“I am very excited to join Wildewood Downs. The team here is full of uniquely qualified and caring individuals. My goal is to continue to have the highest quality of nursing care and an exceptional quality of life for all residents.” Tracy W. Johnson

PHYLLIS THOMAS – DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
Phyllis has been a part of the Wildewood Downs executive team since 2001. She is responsible for financial and employee related matters to include A/P, A/R and human resources. With her business background in the senior care industry, she makes sure Wildewood Downs runs smoothly.

“It is rewarding getting to know the residents and hopefully making a difference in their daily lives. I enjoy very much being a part of Wildewood Downs, truly the most beautiful campus in Columbia.” Phyllis Thomas.

LARRY WINGATE – DINING ROOM MANAGER
Larry has been serving smiles in the Dining room since 2000. He is responsible for each resident’s dining experience and with his background in catering and special events coordination, he is the perfect person for the job. Larry manages the wait staff and makes sure that each meal is a pleasurable experience.

“I enjoy providing the best possible professional service to the residents and their families.” Larry Wingate.

SHARON RULEY – SOCIAL DIRECTOR, INDEPENDENT LIVING
Sharon has been with the Wildewood Downs team since 2003 when she started as the receptionist. Her love of people and outgoing personality soon propelled her to Social Director where she utilizes many talents and skills to create a busy and varied social calendar each month.

“I just love the people. Out of all the places I have worked, this is by far the best - because of the people.” Sharon Ruley.

JULIE PATTERSON – MARKETING DIRECTOR
Julie joined the organization in 2006 and brings a passion for life and helping people to Wildewood Downs. She spent 10 years in the corporate world where she was responsible for sales and marketing for a large district. She is responsible for advertising, marketing events, sales and construction of independent living's homes and apartments. Julie's enthusiasm and bubbly personality will make you smile.

“This is a great place to be everyday. I love coming to work as the Residents have welcomed me with open arms and are a joy to be around.” Julie Shirer.

EVE ABERNATHY, RN – HEALTHCARE ADMINISTARTOR
Eve has 27 years experience as an RN with the majority of it in long term health care. She served as a Director of Nursing and as a nurse consultant to long term health care facilities for the last 16 years. She is the Treasurer of SCDONA (the South Carolina Directors of Nursing Association). Eve has served on the Advisory Board for the Nursing Departments at several colleges. She has experience, compassion and professionalism and is an integral part of the Wildewood Downs team. Eve oversees the nursing staff and is responsible for all aspects of patient care in our Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

“I am excited to work for such a first class organization. My passion is to continually strive for excellent ongoing patient care and we will settle for nothing less.” Eve Abernathy.

DAN EWING – Executive Chef
Chef Ewing brings over 25 years culinary experience to Wildewood Downs from Atlanta, Charlotte & Charleston. He has worked in 5-star restaurants, hotels and country clubs and brings his fine dining flair to the Residents at Wildewood Downs each night.

“I enjoy feedback I get from the Residents on the menus. It is nice to be able to know that your food is being enjoyed on a nightly basis.” Dan Ewing.

The Hollinger Group is the parent company of Wildewood Downs. It is comprised of executives from the senior care and healthcare fields with extensive experience in all facets of operations, finance and development. Collectively, management has over 100 years experience in managing, developing and acquiring specialty healthcare and senior care assets. Management has successfully developed and operated, independent and assisted living facilities and skilled nursing centers as well as acute medical rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient rehab facilities, totaling in excess of $1.5 billion in value.

Brad Hollinger, Founder and CEO
Brad has twenty years of senior executive experience in all phases of senior care and healthcare activity. Prior to founding The Hollinger Group, he founded and took public Balanced Care Corporation, a senior care company that developed, acquired and operated 87 facilities in 11 states. Prior to founding Balance Care, Brad was a senior executive with Continental Medical Systems, a $1.0 Billion NYSE rehabilitation hospital company and CEO of its $500 Million contract therapy division.

Michael Beaver, President
In this role, Mike is responsible for the financial and operational success of the portfolio, leading business development for the company. Prior to joining The Hollinger Group Mike was V.P. of Regional Operations for Generations Management Services and Regional Vice President for Balanced Care Corporation. Mike brings over ten years of healthcare leadership experience to the company.

Paul Kovacs, PhD, Chief Operating Officer
He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company’s facilities. Paul holds a PHD in Healthcare Administration with an emphasis on senior care services. With over twenty years of healthcare experience Paul has operated JCAHO accredited facilities, gained experience, in sub-acute nursing care, and is a licensed NHA for several eastern states including Pennsylvania.

Dave Hauck, Chief Financial Officer
He is a licensed CPA, and has worked as an auditor for KPMG. Dave also has worked as a bank loan officer prior to his involvement in the senior care industry. He has held positions as both controller and field financial support director in prior senior care organizations.

Wildewood Downs is financially backed by Health Care REIT, Inc., a self-administered, equity real estate investment trust that invests in health care facilities, primarily skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. They also invest in specialty care facilities. Founded in 1970, HCN was the first real estate investment trust to invest exclusively in health care facilities. They are traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol HCN.

HCN establishes relationships with and provides financing to operators throughout their growth cycles. They target companies with experienced management teams, regionally focused operations, substantial inside ownership interests and significant growth potential.

For more information about Independent Living, Assisted Living, Lifescenes Dementia Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation at Wildewood Downs call 888-509-7094 or click here to get a FREE Information Kit.