Leadership Team

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A Team With Compassion

Galloway Ridge is an independent not-for-profit 501 c 3 retirement community.

Heather Rusnak is the Executive Director of Galloway Ridge, Inc. Heather leads a team of more than 225 caring and energetic professional staff members who provide support, services and activities for Galloway Ridge residents and members of the Duke Center for Living Health and Wellness Center.

The Residents of Galloway Ridge are also very much a part of the Galloway Ridge Team. They advise and work closely with staff members through their volunteer service on committees ranging from "Dining" and "Activities" to "Health, Safety and Wellness" Committees.

Meet Our Team

Mrs. Heather Rusnak

Executive Director
About Heather

Ms. Rusnak comes to Galloway Ridge with over seven years of experience as an Executive Director of upscale senior living communities.  Prior to joining Galloway Ridge at Fearrington, Heather served as the Executive Director at Atria Merrywood in Charlotte, N.C., a high end independent and assisted living community.  Previously the Executive Director at Wildewood Downs Retirement Community, she is bringing experience from a Continuing Care Retirement Community gained over six years.

Heather began her career at Wildewood Downs as the Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing, and was promoted to Executive Director 18 months later. She is people-oriented and values a culture of excellence from staff by creating reward programs for recognition, incentives and tenure. She is an out-of-the-box thinker who thrives on creating the best environment for the residents and employees while continuing the community partnership of Galloway Ridge.

Mr. Douglas Oliver

Associate Executive Director/COO
About Douglas

Mr. Oliver joined Galloway Ridge in 2005 and has over 12 years experience in the long-term care industry serving in a myriad of nursing leadership and executive management positions. He currently serves as the Associate Executive Director and Administrator for Galloway Ridge.

Doug supports the Executive Director in all facets of community management and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Health Services Department ensuring that the quality and appropriateness of resident care meets or exceeds Galloway Ridge and regulatory standards. He also serves as the Corporate Compliance and Privacy Officer for Galloway Ridge. Doug earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Masters in Health Systems Management from George Mason University. In 2001, he was published in Quality Management in Health Care.

Bob Zimmer

Director of Finance

Kathy Turner

Director of Human Resources

Brenda Leek

Director of Administrative Services

Mrs. Leslie Dyess

Director of Sales & Marketing
About Leslie

Ms. Dyess has been a member of the sales efforts for Galloway Ridge at Fearrington since 2001. She was lead sales representative from 2001-2005 during which time Galloway Ridge reached the Phase 1 70% pre-sales requirement, completed construction and opened in 2005. Leslie assumed the role of Director of Sales and Marketing in 2006 and led the sales team to reach Phase II 70% reservation level in eight weeks in the Fall 2008. She continues to direct, lead and manage the ongoing sales efforts for both Phase I and II at Galloway Ridge.

In addition to her ten years of service in the retirement industry, Leslie has managed the national sales support for an international corporation and has worked in the financial planning client service industry. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Boston College.

Mr. Michael Jernigan (aka Mike)

Director of Facilities Operations
About Michael

Mr. Jernigan joined Galloway Ridge in 2006 and is responsible for managing the facility operations for Galloway Ridge, including maintenance, security, housekeeping, laundry and landscaping. He has 30 years of experience in residential and commercial construction.

Mike holds a North Carolina Class II Plumbing License, completed Management Certification from the Office of State Personnel and completed Management Training through the Leadership Development Series at NC State University. Additionally, he has received certification in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning from the College of the Albemarle.

Ms. Debbie Knight

Director for the Duke Center for Living at Galloway Ridge
About Debbie

Ms. Knight, a native North Carolinian, has over 30 years in the health and wellness industry. She has served in various management roles for a number of health and fitness organizations, including Athletic Clubs, Inc. of Research Triangle Park, N. Carolina and the YMCA of Columbia, S. Carolina.  For the last 13 years, she held several director-level positions with Blue Ridge HealthCare in Morganton, N. Carolina.  Her most recent role was that of Director of the Wellness Service Line, where she received the Board of Directors' Recognition for Service Excellence.

During her time at BRHC, Debbie played an integral part in a number of health and wellness initiatives, benefiting the community and workplace.  Many of these efforts earned awards and recognition by the industry, including Center of Excellence by NC Prevention Partners/NCHA/Duke Endowment for Tobacco Cessation Program; Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) Bronze, Silver, and 2 Gold Well Workplace Awards; NC Prevention Partners' Red Apple Status for Healthy Eating Presentation in BRHC Café; and NC Prevention Partners' Gold Star Award for Tobacco Cessation creating a Corporate Culture of Wellness.

Debbie earned her Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from East Carolina University in Greenville, and her Masters in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University in Beckley, West Virginia.

Ms. Pat Richardson

Director of Public Relations
About Pat

Ms. Richardson joined Galloway Ridge at Fearrington with over twelve years in sales and marketing in the Hospitality Industry and over seven years supporting the nonprofit sector or the Triangle. She relocated to North Carolina from Washington, D.C. in 2005 where she worked extensively with the Federal Government and Association markets. Pat has many years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a Development Director, fund raising, creating public relations, board management, membership and volunteer management. She served in the military for many years joining the Army when she was seventeen and stationed in South Carolina.

Pat's passions are education and her two wonderful children, John and Krissy. Her hobbies consist of volunteering, traveling, spending time with family and reading. Pat also sits on the Human Services Advisory Board for the Town of Chapel Hill, Board of Directors for the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Team.

Ms. Toni Scirica

Director of Dining
About Toni

Ms Scirica joined Galloway Ridge as the Director of Dining in 2005. She is responsible for the day-to-day food and beverage operation of Galloway Ridge.

Prior to joining Galloway Ridge Toni was involved in the resort and hotel industry for 11 years, serving as the Food and Beverage Manager at Pinehurst Resort. She earned an Associate in Science degree in Culinary Arts, Johnson and Wales University. Toni is a Certified Sous Chef with the American Culinary Association for which she has been a member since 1994 and has held many board positions within her chapter including President, Apprenticeship Coordinator and Chef & Child Chair.

Ms. Debbie Williams

Director of Resident Services
About Debbie

Ms. Williams joined Galloway Ridge in June 2007 and has worked with the senior population in the private sector, hospitals, independent living and health care for over fifteen years. She is responsible for managing the Activity Department which provides an abundance of quality programming, including transportation needs, both on and off campus.

Debbie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Central Michigan University and completed post-graduate studies at Wayne State University. She is certified as a Therapeutic Recreational Therapist.

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