[Updated: October 12, 2022 | Published: October 12, 2022]

For over four decades, a local, all-volunteer board of directors has guided Friendship Village of Dublin to become central Ohio’s premier senior living community.

“Much credit for our community’s legacy and continuing excellence goes to our superb board of directors, who contribute their passion, vision, leadership and hours upon hours of hard work,” said Executive Director Rita Doherty.

Volunteer Board of Directors Promotes Quality and Continuity

As unpaid volunteers, board members commit over 100 hours annually to meetings governing every aspect of our operations – and devote even more time to researching major decisions and planning new programs and facilities.

“Thanks in large part to the board’s steady guidance, our Residents enjoy maintenance-free living, luxe amenities, abundant activities and holistic LifeCare services – all for a predictable rate, even if needs or circumstances change with time,” Rita said.

“The board’s prudent guidance has enabled our community to stay at the forefront of senior living, with state-of-the-art facilities, communities and care,” she added. “We also continue to deliver on our promise of true, Type-A LifeCare, even in challenging times.”

2021-2022 Board of Directors

Our current board includes chief financial officers, physicians, nurses, professors, government officials and executives in fields ranging from architecture and information technology to human resources and marketing communications.

“I want to thank and recognize every member for their exceptional skills and dedication to ensuring we provide a top-quality environment and care,” Rita said. “We are continually grateful for the sound guidance provided by this group of remarkable individuals.”

Executive Committee

• CHAIRPERSON Cynthia Valdez Dougherty, Ph.D.
• CHAIRPERSON-ELECT Bruce Wall, M.D., MMM 
• TREASURER Richard Schrock
• SECRETARY Kathleen McGinnis
• RESIDENT DIRECTOR Jean Forbes

Board of Directors

• DIRECTOR Ronald J. Bachman
• DIRECTOR Richard A. Baker, APR
• DIRECTOR Tom Gessells
• DIRECTOR Deborah Johnson
• DIRECTOR William J. N. Koniewich
• DIRECTOR Medard Lutmerding, MD
• DIRECTOR Stefanie D. Morrow
• DIRECTOR Howard Rohleder
• DIRECTOR Michael Vasbinder

Non-Directors and Honorary Members

• Non-DIRECTOR/ Honorary Finance Committee Member Charles E. Ansley
• Non-DIRECTOR/ Honorary HR Committee Member Karen Ickes

Board Connections Lead to Innovative Programs and Partnerships

“Our local board members connect us to the rich resources of central Ohio government agencies, businesses and other organizations,” Rita said. “These connections have led to innovative programs and partnerships benefitting our community.”

Friendship At Home

Launched in 2015, our innovative Friendship At Home program helps over 100 members enjoy the security of LifeCare At Home.

This affordable membership program allows central Ohio seniors to live worry-free in their familiar homes and
communities.

Friendship At Home redefines aging at home by helping members create a plan for senior living at home. Personal care coordinators arrange any needed care.

If a member ever needs care, the program pays for up to full nursing home care in the member’s home.

This program has unlimited potential to serve seniors who need a plan and safety net so they can age in place in their homes.

Recently, board connections also have brought two exciting partnerships to Friendship Village of Dublin.

Full-time, On-site Medical Practice

Friendship Village of Dublin is the only retirement community in Central Ohio with a full-time, on-sente senior medical practice.

Operated by Central Ohio Primary Care from an office in our main building, the practice gives Residents who choose a COPC primary care physician the convenience of walking to medical appointments.

The Bailey at Bridge Park

Through a partnership with developer Crawford Hoying, we are developing The Bailey at Bridge Park, which will expand our footprint to the growing 55+ luxury rental market.

When it opens by early 2024, this new development will allow upscale seniors to receive certain Friendship Village of Dublin services without living on campus.

A simplified rental arrangement will ease transition to our main campus when and if the time is right.

Fulfilling Friendship of Dublin’s Mission

Local governance by an all-volunteer board of directors helps Friendship Village of Dublin fulfill our mission and vision.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of older adults. Our vision is to be central Ohio’s premier provider of high quality, comprehensive, cost-effective LifeCare services for older adults.

“”As a nonprofit senior living community, every decision we make is for the benefit of our Residents,” Rita said. “I am grateful to our board for their continuing support.”