The Aspenwood Company is led by a team of highly experienced executives with decades-long careers in the senior living industry. Our team is our most valuable asset in our mission of providing excellence for both our residents and capital partners.

Our Team

  • Jim Gray, Founder & CEO

    James Gray serves as founder and chief executive officer of The Aspenwood Company. He also founded Bridgewood Property Company in 2002 and serves as the company’s president. His role encompasses strategic, financial, and marketing operations for the company’s multiple properties.

  • Heather Tussing, President

    Heather brings more than 20 years of experience in operations, sales, compliance, and marketing in senior health care services. Under her leadership as president, Heather provides oversight of daily operations encompassing strategic, financial, operational, sales and marketing aspects of the company’s multiple properties. Previously, Heather held the position of chief operating officer and vice president of sales for Morning Pointe Senior Living, which owned and operated 37 senior living communities.

  • Terry Purchal, CFO

    With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Terry is a trusted advisor and accomplished business leader, renowned for his decision-making acumen. Terry oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. He also collaborates closely with the executive team to develop and implement financial strategies that align with The Aspenwood Company’s mission and long-term goals.

  • Eric Varin, SVP Sales & Marketing

    Eric brings more than 12 years of sales experience in the senior housing industry, holding leadership roles at such companies as Benchmark Senior Living and Allegro Senior Living. In his current role, Eric oversees the management of all sales and marketing functions of all senior living communities under Aspenwood’s management. A strong believer in the Prospect Centered Selling (PCS) methodology of sales, Eric and his teams have used PCS to accomplish consistent positive sales outcomes. He holds MBAs from Cornell University and Queen’s University in Canada.

  • Gwen Wilburn, SVP Clinical Operations

    Gwen has been a registered nurse for more than 28 years. In that time she has worked in the home health and hospital settings, but most recently she has held a variety of leadership positions in assisted living. She is a board-certified gerontological nurse along with being certified in assisted living. She completed her MBA with a focus in health care management.

  • Joel Quade, SVP Operations

    A proven leader in the senior living industry for more than 28 years, Joel provides operational leadership for The Aspenwood Company’s line of luxury communities. He attended Baylor University where he received a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance. Following Baylor, he felt senior living was a natural fit, for he had always had a distinct fondness for “seasoned” folks. He stays close to his love of music by sharing his talent regularly with residents.

  • Anna Callender, VP Operations

    With an extensive background previously serving as senior regional director of sales and regional director of operations for privately held and publicly traded seniors housing organizations, Anna helps teams to become high performers by developing talent, empowering associates, and putting resident satisfaction at the center of personnel and business decisions. Anna’s impressive sales experience brings a strong alliance to the overall operational success of the communities she oversees.

  • Victor Barrios, VP Plant Operations

    Victor brings a diverse background to the Aspenwood team. He previously worked in the hospitality industry for more than 12 years in various management roles for prestigious resorts around the southern Caribbean. His experience also includes new home development where he served as both a contractor and subcontractor.

  • Dan Hutson, VP Marketing

    In his more than 15 years of working in senior living, Dan has overseen marketing at Priya Living, Claiborne Senior Living, and HumanGood. His work has been honored by the National Mature Media Awards, Content Marketing Awards, EXCEL Awards and Healthcare Marketing IMPACT Awards, among others. He has spoken on senior living trends, marketing, and innovation at the NIC Fall Conference, Senior Care Marketing Sales Summit (SMASH), the Argentum Chief Executive Summit, LeadingAge national and state conferences, and other gatherings of senior living leaders.

  • Kimberly Varley, VP Human Resources

    Kimberly is passionate about working in senior living and providing leadership and human resources support to community associates who in return provide the best care to our residents. Prior to the Aspenwood team, Kimberly worked in various human resources roles in top luxury resorts and hotels.

  • Amber McDaniel, VP Resident Experience

    Amber McDaniel is a highly accomplished senior engagement specialist, bringing a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to her role. Amber’s expertise in formulating innovative engagement initiatives is instrumental in stimulating resident activity and fostering team member innovation. With an extensive background in the health and wellness industry, coupled with her proficiency in health promotion, chronic condition management, training, and event planning, Amber elevates the resident experience for all Aspenwood communities.

  • Michael Muratovic

    Michael Muratovic, VP Information Technology

    Michael Muratovic brings to Aspenwood several years of extensive experience in the IT industry. He has worked across various sectors including senior living, property management, hospitality, and oil and gas. His expertise includes leading teams and implementing innovative solutions, with a strong focus on automation to drive efficiency and business growth. Michael has a proven track record of streamlining operations, reducing downtime, and enhancing the overall user experience.