Chris Thorpe
2021 Executive Director of the Year Supernova Winner
The Supernova Award is the highest individual honor that our company gives and each year. One Executive Director is chosen as the Executive Director of the Year by the Home Office leadership team based on an assortment of criteria. Each year during the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting, the winner is revealed and given a customized crystal award at the company’s formal Supernova Awards Evening. The criteria for voting is based on embodiment of and adherence to the company’s Guiding Principles, overall leadership of their team: servant leadership, the overall growth/improvement year-over-year. Additionally, this individual will consistently deliver excellent customer service (to Members, families, and colleagues), lead positively with integrity, take accountability, put the team before themselves, and embody the company’s vision to create communities where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
“Chris has been embodying our company’s guiding principles and has been the definition of a servant leader before that even came into existence. (…) I think back to the Annual Meeting a few years ago when our theme was ‘The Disciplines of Execution’. Chris has been committed to that process and has been committed to execution ever since he has been with the company and certainly in his role as an Executive Director.”
– Benjamin Thompson, President of Senior Living Communities
This year, we are proud to award Chris Thorpe from Marsh’s Edge on St. Simons Island, GA, with the 2021 Executive Director of the Year Supernova. This honor was bestowed at the Senior Living Communities Annual Meeting on Thursday, August 5th at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida.
After graduation, Chris served in the US Army Reserves and credits that experience (along with his upbringing and faith) helped to shape his path and approach to life and leadership. In the beginning of his career, Chris worked in a variety of customer service, sales, and advisory roles. Since he joined the team at Marsh’s Edge in July of 2014, he has been an integral part of its success. His roles at Marsh’s Edge include: Independent Living Lifestyle Advisor, Director of Healthcare Marketing, Assistant Director of Care Services, and now Executive Director. Under Chris’ leadership, Marsh’s Edge has won the Supernova for Community of the Year Twice (2019 and 2021).
Outside of work, Chris is married to his wife, Chelsea and they have a beautiful blended family with three boys, Cale, River, and Asher. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and shark tooth hunting with his family.
Interview with 2021 Executive Director of the Year, Chris Thorpe
What’s a quote or inspirational words that influence/impact you?
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Congratulations on being chosen as a Supernova! How do you feel?
I am humbled and honored to be chosen for this award.
What’s your favorite part about your position?
My favorite part of my position is making a positive impact on as many lives as possible.
What do you want people to know about working in a retirement community?
For me, it is where my career and passion came together. Every day brings an opportunity to learn from our amazing Members and repay their tutelage with love, care, and excellent service! Life is better in a community!
Positions that are eligible to vote and win the Supernova Award include: HR Director, Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, Care Services Administrator, Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Resident Care Director, Lifestyle Advisor, Lifestyle Advisor – Care Services, Move-In Coordinator, Social Director, Activity Director, Wellness Director, Director of Facility Services, Director of Dining Services, Executive Chef, Client Services Manager (Live Long Well Care).
