United Methodist Communities (UMC) and the UMC Foundation are pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Peterson to interim President & CEO, effective September 28, 2026.

This comes after Mark Lenhard announced his resignation from his role as President &  CEO. For the remainder of his time with UMC, Lenhard will serve as counsel to Peterson, sharing his insight and experience to help ensure a smooth and seamless leadership transition. UMC will be rolling out a transition plan that will help to ensure continuity across  the organization, and will share additional details as they are confirmed.

Since 2022, Lenhard has led UMC through a period of strategic growth, innovation, and organizational transformation. Under his leadership, UMC launched BEAM Consulting,  helping senior living organizations modernize operations through technology and artificial intelligence, and established Connexion Communities, a subsidiary that expanded UMC's mission beyond New Jersey. His tenure strengthened our position as a forward-thinking leader in senior living, home care, and aging services.

“Serving UMC has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I have had the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary teammates, board members, residents, families, and partners who are committed to our mission,” said Lenhard. “I am confident in UMC's future. Under Bob’s leadership, UMC will continue to grow, innovate, and create new possibilities for older adults and their families.”

Since joining the organization in 2019, Peterson has served as Chief Financial Officer, working side-by-side with Lenhard to shape and advance UMC’s most important priorities and growth initiatives. Peterson has played a central role in strengthening UMC’s financial position, guiding critical organizational decisions, and supporting investments in residents, teammates, technology, and future growth. His leadership has given him comprehensive knowledge of UMC’s mission, operations, communities, and long-term vision, as well as strong relationships across the organization – making him exceptionally well prepared to lead UMC with stability and confidence.

Prior to joining UMC, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Health System’s Hackettstown and Newton Medical Centers.

"I am honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role," said Peterson. Mark has positioned UMC for an exciting future, and I look forward to building on that momentum alongside our teammates, residents, families, partners, and board members. Together, we will create endless opportunities for older adults to thrive."

“UMC is proud to select Bob Peterson as the interim President & CEO,” shared Rodney Ross, UMC Board Chair. "He listens, he collaborates, and he always puts the mission first. We are excited to have him step into this role, and we're confident that under his leadership, UMC will continue to grow and find new ways to make a difference in the lives  of older adults."

About UMC 

Based in Neptune, New Jersey, United Methodist Communities (UMC) is a nonprofit senior services organization with a mission of compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life. The organization has roots in the Wesleyan faith tradition and is affiliated in ministry with the United  Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. Today, UMC proudly serves seniors of any and all faith traditions and  backgrounds.

With 119 years of continuous operation, the organization has grown to 9 locations offering independent,  residential, and assisted living; Tapestries® Memory Care; respite; rehabilitation; long-term care; Bridges  Hospice and Palliative Care; affordable senior housing; and case management, live-in and in-home personal care through HomeWorks.

UMC operates Bristol Glen (Newton); Collingswood Manor (Collingswood); Pitman Manor (Pitman); The  Shores (Ocean City); Bishop Taylor (East Orange); Covenant Place (Plainfield); PineRidge of Montclair  (Montclair); Wesley by the Bay (Ocean City); and The Wesleyan (Red Bank). HomeWorks serves the entire state of New Jersey and maintains offices at UMC’s Bristol Glen, Collingswood, Pitman, and The Shores locations. https://umcommunities.org/