Meet Our Leadership

Adam Marles is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lutheran Senior Services. Adam joined LSS in November 2021. Before coming to LSS, he served as the President and CEO of LeadingAge PA, a trade association representing nearly 400 providers of quality senior housing, health care, and community services throughout Pennsylvania. In addition to his time with LeadingAge PA, Adam has experience within senior living organizations from serving as Senior Vice President, Advancement and Strategic Initiatives, for Phoebe-Devitt Homes, a multi-site provider based in Pennsylvania. Prior to working in senior living, Adam worked as a practicing attorney representing healthcare providers. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University, a Masters of Arts in Public Communication from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Muhlenberg College.

With more than 30 years’ experience in nonprofit senior living executive management, Ron Schaefer has become a highly respected organizational and operational leader with key skills in the areas of strategy, communications, leadership, and organizational integrity. Prior to joining Lutheran Senior Services as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ron served as the COO of Front Porch in Glendale, California. Before that, he served as the COO of Covia until its acquisition by Front Porch. In addition to his extensive experience in the multi-level/Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) segment of senior living, he also has a strong track record in Affordable Housing and in Community Service programs. Ron has taught many courses in the University of Southern California’s Davis School of Gerontology master’s degree programs, including the core courses Current Issues in Senior Living and Emerging Consumer Trends. His own education includes a BA in chemistry/math from Southern California College and a Master’s of Healthcare Administration from Chapman University with an emphasis in business administration.

Chad Sneed was named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) in February 2021. As CFO, Sneed is accountable for LSS’s financial planning and analysis and relationships with LSS banking and bondholder partners. He also is responsible for the LSS Physical Assets and Capital Projects Department. Sneed serves as Treasurer and Assistant Secretary for the LSS Board of Directors. Sneed joined LSS in 2006 and since that time has been accountable for LSS financial and accounting operations. Prior to LSS, Sneed worked with CliftonLarsonAllen, an industry-focused firm offering wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. He holds a BS degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri and is a Certified Public Accountant. Sneed replaces Paul Ogier, who remains with the organization in the role of Senior Advisor.

Lisa serves as Chief Advancement Officer at Lutheran Senior Services. Lisa came to LSS after a very successful career in philanthropy in the St. Louis area. Her previous roles include serving as the Executive Director of SSM’s St. Louis Foundations and serving on the fundraising team at Washington University. She began her career in banking with Mark Twain Bank and Boatmen’s Bank. Lisa is a graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia with a BSBA. At LSS, Lisa shares her leadership skills and a passion for helping older adults.

Beth Rusert is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of Lutheran Senior Services. Beth joined LSS in September 2022. Previously, she served as vice president, chief marketing and ministry engagement officer for Concordia Plans, an employee benefits and business solutions provider for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and affiliated organizations. Prior to that, Rusert was a partner at a consulting firm where she worked with CEOs and other senior executives to develop strategic approaches to reach internal and external stakeholders. She has worked with or for a variety of industries including chemical manufacturing, marketing services, education, hospitals, and technology. She has deep experience leading and transforming public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the areas of internal and change communications, marketing, community relations, sales integration, government affairs, and social impact. Rusert holds a master’s degree in marketing from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Valparaiso University.