Care Initiatives welcomes new SVP/Chief Operating Officer

Joseph Reese has joined Care Initiatives as Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. He has committed his career to long term care administration and has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health administrative services with an emphasis in long term care and a master’s degree in healthcare administration. 

“I had always planned on going into healthcare,” Reese said. “I worked as a physical therapy aide in a long term care centers. I met and befriended that administrator there and saw what he did and I really liked it.”

Having worked as an administrator for facilities in Idaho and Washington, he joined a large national chain as a regional vice president and then vice president of operations for two additional senior healthcare providers.

“I really enjoy the day to day operations of nursing facilities,” Reese said. “I plan to apply what I’ve learned from past positions overseeing facilities in 10 to 12 states to adapt to that experience to a smaller organization. I’ve not had the opportunity to work for a non-profit and I feel Care Initiatives’ mission statement shows dedication to serving the residents in the state of Iowa. And with that focus, I think we can do a lot of good.”

Going forward, Reese said, “I think the industry is going to have to show a lot of adaptability on how we deliver healthcare and how the government reimburses us. It has already started to change from not just the quantity of people we serve, but the quality outcomes that come with really good nursing and therapy services.”

In addition to his extensive career experience, Reese has served as a member on multiple state healthcare associations and as member of committees including corporate leadership, reimbursement, survey and legislative affairs.

Reese and his wife have relocated to Norwalk. Their two adult daughters are studying at colleges in the Northwest. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy time on their boat, waterskiing and playing golf.  

With headquarters in West Des Moines, Care Initiatives and Care Initiatives Hospice operate 55 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s/dementia, assisted living and hospice locations throughout Iowa. For more information about Care Initiatives, call 515.244.4442 or visit careinitiatives.org.