On June 28 Howard Smith, Kendal’s Search Committee Chair wrote to the Kendal community announcing the appointment of James Antonucci as Kendal on Hudson’s new Executive Director.
Howard noted that, since 2016 Jim has served as Executive Director of Heron’s Key, an Emerald Communities Life Plan Community in Gig Harbor, Washington. In that role, he had total responsibility for the startup and operational oversight of the $180 million community.
Prior to that, Jim was Executive Director of The Village, a Santa Fe Senior Living rental community in Gainesville, Florida with independent living, assisted living and memory support accommodations.
After studying health care administration at the University of Connecticut, he graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Haven. He also has a bachelor’s degree in business and finance from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut and earned a doctorate in design construction and planning with a focus on environmental gerontology from the University of Florida.
Jim began his career as a chef after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1987. He worked with highly regarded restaurants in Zurich, NYC, and Connecticut, as well as serving as Executive Chef with Marriott Management Services for Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in NYC.
Jim will be at Kendal starting August 15 and takes over his new position on September 1. Jim will replace the long-serving and beloved Pat Doyle. A reception is planned for August 15 at 4 pm to welcome Jim Antonucci.