Abe’s Garden Community Names New Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Susannah Dwyer elected Chief Executive Officer; Chris Coelho promoted to Chief Operating Officer

NASHVILLE - Abe’s Garden Community has announced that its Board of Directors appointed Susannah Dwyer, BSc (Hons)/RPT/L, as Chief Executive Officer, and promoted Chris Coelho, MMHC, to Chief Operating Officer.

Dwyer, who started the role on September 1st, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in senior living, home health, outpatient rehabilitation, and private duty care. She previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations, Home Health and Private Duty at Choice Health at Home. There, she was responsible for all strategic operational growth of the portfolio, quality-driven service provision, and key leadership development. Additionally, she was on the Brookdale Healthcare Services leadership team for 13 years, with a primary focus on home health services and operations.

“We are thrilled that Susannah Dwyer will be leading our organization into our next stage of growth, expanding our impact on seniors, those living with dementia and their caregivers locally, nationally, and internationally,” said Michael Shmerling, Co-founder and Board Chair of Abe’s Garden Community. The organization offers independent and assisted living, memory support residential and day programs, and in-home care and engagement services, and provides caregiver support and resources. “Susannah is a highly accomplished industry leader credited with growing and leading successful senior health-focused initiatives.”

In her role at Abe’s Garden Community, Dwyer’s responsibilities include managing the Nashville-based nonprofit organization’s business affairs in accordance with the established mission and goals, ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence and resident satisfaction, and supervising senior staff.

“Throughout the interview process, I have been extremely impressed and energized by the leadership team,” said Dwyer. “I felt an immediate connection to the mission and was blown away by the compassion, dedication and experience of the staff. I am thrilled with the opportunity to learn, grow and excel together.”

Dwyer, who grew up in the North of England and has called Brentwood, TN, home for the last 15 years, spent weekends throughout her childhood with her grandmother. “One of Nanna’s favorite sayings was, ‘Two heads are better than one.’ Maybe that’s why I embrace the power of collaboration,” she said.

Dwyer will work closely with Chris Coelho, who joined the organization in 2015 and was recently appointed Chief Operating Officer after serving as Interim Executive Director since June 2021. As Abe’s Garden Community’s first COO, Chris will oversee the day-to-day operations, spearhead our continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives and evaluate research opportunities for the organization.

“I can’t thank Chris Coelho enough for his leadership during the CEO search,” said Shmerling. “Chris and Susannah will work together with the rest of the team to set organizational strategies and ensure operational sustainability.”