The Aspenwood Company Celebrates 161 Internal Promotions
The Aspenwood Company, a leading operator of senior living communities across Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina, today announced a remarkable milestone: 161 team members were promoted in 2024. This achievement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering internal talent and creating meaningful career pathways.
Aspenwood’s internal promotion rate puts it at the higher end of senior living industry averages (8–12 percent) with 161 promotions representing approximately 11 percent of its workforce, a clear indicator of the company’s dedication to team member growth and development. This focus on promoting from within not only strengthens the company’s culture but also ensures that team members are deeply invested in the communities they serve.
A Culture of Growth: Three Stories of Success
Malinda Shelton: From Concierge to Senior Executive Director
Malinda Shelton’s journey with Aspenwood began in 2015 as a concierge and business office manager at Village on the Park Rogers in Rogers, Arkansas. With the company’s support, she earned her Arkansas administrator certification and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2019, she was named executive director of Village on the Park Bentonville, and in 2023 she achieved the role of senior executive director, overseeing both Arkansas communities.
“My success is rooted in my commitment to resident satisfaction, controlling expenses, and my ability to learn and teach others,” said Shelton. “Aspenwood doesn’t just talk about opportunities—they create them.”
Michelle Owens: From Nursing to Senior Leadership
Michelle Owens’ career trajectory is a testament to Aspenwood’s transformative environment. After a challenging experience at another senior living company that nearly led her back to being an OB-GYN nurse, Owens found her calling at The Village at The Triangle in Austin, Texas. Starting as assistant director of resident care in 2018, she quickly advanced to director of the community’s assisted living neighborhood in 2019, and by 2024 she was promoted to senior director and assistant executive director.
“I’ve learned to meet people where they are in the moment,” Owens said. “I feel what I’m doing is my calling. I love my job!”
Joshua Bentley: Building Relationships as a Sales Leader
Joshua Bentley’s rise within Aspenwood highlights the company’s emphasis on leadership development. Initially joining as a regional vice president overseeing sales in eight communities, Bentley’s focus on building relationships and fostering trust led to his promotion to senior regional vice president, now managing 13 mid-luxury communities across five markets.
“People matter most,” Bentley explained. “My goal is to support my team through open dialogue and trust, fostering relationships that make me an integral part of the team.”
Industry-Leading Recognition
Aspenwood’s commitment to team member growth has been consistently recognized. In 2024, the company earned its sixth consecutive Great Place to Work certification and improved its ranking from 15th to seventh on Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Aging Services list. An impressive 99 percent of Aspenwood team members participated in the Great Place to Work workplace survey, providing candid feedback that reflects the company’s positive culture.
A Leadership Perspective
“These 161 promotions are more than just career advancements—they represent our dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for our team members to thrive,” said Heather Tussing, president of The Aspenwood Company. “By investing in our people, we ensure that our communities continue to deliver exceptional care and hospitality.”
About The Aspenwood Company
The Aspenwood Company operates 19 senior living communities across Texas, Arkansas, and North Carolina, with a new community launching this year in Nashville, Tennessee. Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, Aspenwood is dedicated to exceeding expectations through unparalleled hospitality and exceptional care.