September 12, 2022, St. Louis, Missouri – After a nationwide search, Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) has selected their first LSS Chief Experience Officer, Beth Rusert. Rusert will join LSS on September 12, 2022. In this new role, she will act as the system’s champion dedicated to creating a world-class culture of excellence and providing strategic leadership for human resources, marketing, mission integration, and community outreach efforts.
“Chief experience officers are extremely uncommon in aging services, but they shouldn’t be. Now more than ever our field needs to invest in understanding and optimizing the experiences we’re creating and providing for residents, clients, and our team members,” said Adam Marles, LSS President and CEO
Rusert will be charged with creation of a unified culture and experience for all who encounter LSS, whether residents, staff, prospective staff, families, or donors. “Aging services has never been more dynamic, and new challenges call for new approaches. Culture has never mattered more’” said Marles. “This role provides a different lens for analyzing and addressing some of the most critical issues facing LSS now and in the future,” he added.
Rusert 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. Most recently 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, where she led customer experience, marketing, sales, and member education. Additionally, she led human resources and organizational development in an interim role.
Prior to this, 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. Rusert holds a master’s degree in marketing from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Valparaiso University.
“I look forward to helping create pathways to encourage and empower individuals at all levels to share new ideas, increase skills, and engage meaningfully in the life of the organization,” said Rusert.
She also will hold responsibility for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at LSS, ensuring that all people feel welcomed, honored, and respected. “I’m very excited for the impact this role can have on helping to guide LSS into the future!” said Marles.
Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) is a mission-driven, not-for-profit network that specializes in housing, care, and supportive services for older adults 62+. With 19 locations in Missouri and Illinois, LSS serves more than 13,000 seniors a year through options that include Senior Living Communities offering all levels of living, Affordable Housing for those with limited incomes, and Home & Community Based Services. LSS builds upon more than 160 years of excellence in living out its Christian mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest.