The Center for Innovation, or CFI, the parent organization of the Green House Project and Pioneer Network, is reorganizing its leadership as it focuses on growth.
Susan Ryan will serve as the Center for Innovation’s first CEO. Ryan has more than 35 years of experience in eldercare reform and has spent the last decade at The Green House Project. She was most recently GHP’s senior director, and was a 2021 McKnight’s Woman of Distinction.
Penny Cook, meanwhile, is now the chief culture officer for CFI, with direct oversight of external relationships, including Pioneer’s nationwide network of state-level leaders and volunteers, as well as the LinkedUp peer network of Green House adopter organizations. Cook had previously served as president and CEO of Pioneer Network.
Marla DeVries is the new chief learning officer for CFI, spearheading the non-profit’s internal and external education programming. She will oversee workforce development training, person-directed living certification and leadership coaching classes. DeVries previously held the same position at GHP.
Colleen Kammar will serve as CFI’s chief financial officer, continuing a role she previously held at GHP.
“CFI is the new home for eldercare transformation in all settings and for all elders, regardless of where they call home,” CFI board chair Michele Holleran said in announcing the changes Nov. 28. “This new leadership structure will strengthen the existing power of the Green House and Pioneer brands while also expanding our reach — and deepening our impact — as we look to create new solutions for the entire continuum.”
Ryan has led GHP as it grew to include more than 370 homes in 32 states. GHP and Pioneer announced a formal alliance earlier in 2022, with CFI serving as the parent organization of both groups. The new leadership structure was approved by CFI’s board of directors earlier in November and took effect immediately.
GHP and Pioneer announced a formal alliance earlier in 2022, with CFI serving as the parent organization of both groups. The new leadership structure was approved by CFI’s board of directors earlier in November and took effect immediately.
.”This leadership team will honor the legacies of Green House and Pioneer while building on our experience, knowledge and passion to blaze new trails in eldercare improvement and reform,” Ryan said.
