Wartburg Announces Two New Board Members: Thomas P. Benson & Judy Williams

This past quarter, Judy Williams, Commissioner of Human Resources for the City of Mount Vernon and Thomas P. Benson, Independent Director and Audit Committee Chairman of Key Brand Entertainment, have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Wartburg, a senior service continuum that serves Metropolitan New York and is located in Mount Vernon, NY.

Established as an orphanage in 1866, Wartburg has provided care and housing services to seniors since 1899. Over the past few years, Wartburg has launched an ambitious building expansion program, including the recently opened Friedrichs Residence, with 61 independent living housing units, and a new rehabilitation and adult day services center, opening in September 2013.

“We are delighted to have these two outstanding individuals join our board as Wartburg expands,” said David J. Gentner, president and CEO of Wartburg. “Ms. Williams brings a depth of knowledge about human resources issues, an executive’s insight into the new world of social media, and a deep understanding of our local community. Mr. Benson brings two decades of strategic and financial experience during which he helped several entertainment organizations grow, and he has a rare personal commitment to non-profit organizations.”

“I have personally been the benefactor of Wartburg’s compassionate and caring programs. This organization has earned the trust of our senior population and their families.” said Ms. Williams. “I look forward to working with other board members to expand Wartburg’s geographic reach and its deserved reputation throughout the region.”

For the past year and a half, Ms. Williams has been Commissioner of Human Resources and the key advisor on employment and personnel issues to the Mayor, management and City Council Members of Mount Vernon. She also served as Director of Affirmative Action and Compliance to the City of Mount Vernon for 13 years, prior to which she served as executive director of the Human Rights Commission in Mount Vernon for two years. Ms. Williams is also the organizer of a huge event – the famed Arts on Third, which is Westchester’s largest arts and entertainment festival.

“I am delighted to be on the Board of Wartburg. It sets the standard in providing services to our growing elderly population by combining a continuum of housing, rehabilitation, nursing and home care,” said Mr. Benson.

Prior to his current executive position, Mr. Benson served from 2004-2012 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Core Media Group, the owner of leading entertainment brands, including American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance television properties, and the Elvis Presley estate, including Graceland. He also served in executive positions at FXM, Inc and SFX Entertainment, Inc.

Mr. Benson is president of the Board of the Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School.

Wartburg

Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State,” Wartburg is a not-for-profit Lutheran ministry, serving people of all faiths with a full range of residential options and health-related services for older area adults and their families. Wartburg offers skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, assisted and independent living, adult day services, home care, pastoral care and monthly caregiver support groups. Wartburg is a member organization of the National Center for Creative Aging.