The St. Luke’s Board of Trustees is proud to announce L’Don Sawyer has joined the St. Luke’s Leadership team as the incoming Chief Executive Officer. L’Don’s professional background as a Social Gerontologist includes nearly two decades of service to older adults, the majority in healthcare, with a focus on developing programs benefitting older adults.
A longtime advocate for older adults, L’Don is best known for work in expanding Tucson Medical Center’s Senior Services, reaching more than 6,000 community members annually through educational and support services. She has also been engaged in the community on multiple initiatives with an emphasis on aging, including the Advisory Board of the UA Geriatric Education Center and OASIS Life Long Learning Institute.
To ensure a smooth transition, L’Don will work alongside Beverly Heasley, St. Luke’s Home current Chief Executive Officer. Through the interim period, L’Don will assume operational management of facilities, development, human resources, and community outreach.
L’Don will also continue to cultivate the Eden Alternative philosophy at St. Luke’s Home, a 64-unit assisting living facility that provides care for elderly individuals of limited financial means. St. Luke’s is the only assisted living facility in the state that is an Eden Alternative Community, integrating plants, animals and children into the lives of Elders to build relationships that are the root of meaningful lives.
“St. Luke’s Home has a long history as a gem in the community,” L’Don said. “Being a part of the Eden Alternative Registry only enhances and affirms the philosophy and culture of our Eden Community that is driven by a partnership of Elders, staff, and the community. It is my honor to be part of this effort and I am excited to come in at the start of St Luke’s Home strategic process as we position ourselves to enrich not only our own Community, but the Tucson community.”
Mindy Griffith, president of the Board of Trustees for St. Luke’s Home stated, “L’Don’s experience and commitment to the Elder population will further the St. Luke’s mission of providing for the care and well-being of elderly women and men of our community in a respectful manner. We are delighted she has chosen to join St. Luke’s.”