About Us
Redefining Living Better
Our Beginning
When we opened our first senior living community in Fremont, Nebraska, in 2002, our goal was to create retirement living options in the Midwest that reflected what our communities, our residents, and their family members told us they really wanted.
We met with community members, leaders, seniors, and family members of seniors, and we conducted dozens of focus groups. We wanted data. We wanted input. We wanted insight.
These early partners told us that while there were many communities to consider, with a lot to offer, they didn’t feel that anyone asked them this:
“What do you really want in your retirement life?”
Our Tagline
Although there were and continue to be a growing number of options for senior living in the midwest, we believed that we could differentiate ourselves by doing things better.
We listened better. We researched better. We planned better. We designed better.
Our tagline “Living Better” was born.
As we expanded our view of what Heritage Communities could be, we defined our Mission Statement:
At Heritage Communities, we create the senior living experience you want. We connect you to a community that meets your needs, matches your lifestyle, and satisfies your taste.
Our Vision Statement explains how we accomplish our Mission.
Heritage Communities will be the retirement living first choice in every market we serve. We’ll do this by proactively implementing best-in-class lifestyle enrichments, senior-centric technologies, and the latest approaches to senior care.
Our Values
Our Values define how we lead, care, and behave at every community we own.
Compassion
Treat everyone as if they are part of our family.
Respect
Be courteous and thoughtful in words and actions.
Trust
Follow through with what we say we’ll do.
Fun
Create moments that make life more enjoyable.
Always Learning
Stay curious, seek wonder and embrace challenges.
Our Future
Now more than two decades after opening our first community, Heritage
Communities owns and operates communities across four states: Nebraska, Iowa,
Arizona, and Texas. Our communities offer a mix of Independent Living, Assisted
Living, Memory Care and Respite Care. Recognized for our excellence, the Heritage
Communities team is now managing communities for other owners.
Meet Our Expert Team
The entire team at Heritage Communities, from our home office to the community associates who develop strong relationships with you and your loved ones, is dedicated to serving our residents and families. Our core values guide us in creating a supportive and joyful environment for our residents, associates, families, and everyone we touch.
Farhan Khan
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Nate Underwood
Founder and President
Amy Birkel
Chief Operating Officer
Stephen Ciesielski
Chief Financial Officer
Crystal Douglas
Regional Director of Operations
Jane Streit
Regional Director of Operations
Genelle Girthoffer
Vice President of Human Resources
Donna Aman
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Erin Albers
Vice President of Brand Strategy
Jennifer Hellbusch, RN
Vice President of Health Services
Lacy Jungman
Vice President of Growth & Development