Perspectives Magazine: Spring 2011 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

allen olson (left) and Harold
Wiens engage in discussion at
the bi-monthly meeting of the
PHs board of Directors.
constituencies that want different things.
Services like home care and home-delivered
meals show that we are responding and
redefining how we offer choices.
ao: The plan reflects the 50,000-foot-high
perspective that the board is gaining. The
trend is towards people wanting to stay in
their own homes, not necessarily move to
a senior community. I see PHS adapting
well to this trend, and I think it will be
imperative for the future.
HW: The economic landscape is not going
to be the same 5 years out. The strategic
plan calls for us to be more assertive in
philanthropy. If the board keeps this issue
in front, we’ll come up with novel ideas
that we haven’t yet imagined. I’m excited
and look forward to that.
ao: I also appreciate how important
hospice is to senior care. My wife’s parents
each needed hospice care at the end of
their lives. For me this was personal. The
board recognized hospice as a worthy goal
for PHS and has handed it off to the staff
to execute well.
P: What is the landscape on the far horizon of
senior housing and services and how is PHS
positioned to navigate that landscape?
HW: It’s going to be different, and we’ll
have to be different to serve more seniors
with less money without compromising our
level of excellence.
ao: Creativity will come in recognizing
this reality, and remembering the history
of PHS to always do the best job we can. I
believe that the past is prologue. I have the
highest confidence that PHS has proven
itself able to adapt well and be creative.
It’s the board’s responsibility to foster an
atmosphere of creativity. We have the right
people with the right instincts to keep on
keeping on, and that’s what I’ll do as long
as I’m on the board.
HW: The future of a successful
organization is not to evolutionize, but
to revolutionize. Change will be bigger
and faster, with greater challenges and
fewer resources. It’s important that we
remain engaged with the primary issues
and challenges and look at them as great
opportunities to serve. It starts with the
board and continues on through the CEO
and senior staff. When people get excited
about setting a course when the way is
murky, that’s where great ideas come.
What a perfect place for PHS.
~CYnTHIA RAY
10
SPRInG 2011