Wartburg Appoints Two New Members to Its Board of Directors

Mr. Ocker will serve on Wartburg’s Home Board as well as the Real Estate Committee. For the past 12 years, Mr. Ocker has been responsible for the daily administration of the Village of Garden City’s Department of Recreation and Parks comprised of 100 acres of active park land, including two senior centers. In 2012, he was appointed to oversee and direct the maintenance of 100 acres of Village Passive Park land.

“I consider it a distinct privilege to be given the opportunity to serve as a Board Member of Wartburg. Having been responsible for the delivery of heart healthy activities and programs to diverse populations, I am well aware of the importance of supporting facilities and infrastructure play in the delivery of these services. As a new Board member I look forward to supporting the mission and vision of Wartburg and ultimately enriching the lives of others in such a professional atmosphere,” said Mr. Ocker.

Mr. Mitchell also joins Wartburg’s Home Board and will serve on the Mission & Ministries Committee. He has extensive experience in community outreach and operations. As the former operations director of the Harlem Village Academy he was charged with ensuring the various school departments such as IT and transportation ran efficiently, and also coordinating special events, professional development and community activities.

“I lost my mother in December after 20 years of a crippling disease. Knowing what my sister and I went through in caring for my Mom, I know the great need for quality healthcare and support for all ages. I hope that I may help The Wartburg not only continue in the great work that it has done in the past, but continue to grow and evolve as one of the leading healthcare facilities in the nation,” said Mr. Mitchell.

“We look forward to welcoming our newest volunteers into this time-honored governance role. Mr. Ocker and Mr. Mitchell’s perspectives will be invaluable as the organization transitions from a campus destination to a home and community-based service provider throughout this region,” said David Gentner, Wartburg President and CEO.

Wartburg

Wartburg is an award-winning provider of comprehensive senior services, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, adult day services and hospice care. Its 34-acre campus in Mount Vernon serves seniors and their families in southern Westchester and the northern Bronx, and now the tri-state area. Wartburg’s nursing home has been recognized by “U. S. News & World Report” as among the “Best Nursing Homes in New York State” for the fifth straight consecutive year, in 2015. Over the past few years, Wartburg has launched an ambitious building expansion program, including the Friedrichs Residence, providing affordable housing for seniors with 61 independent living apartments, and a rehabilitation and adult day services center of excellence both opened in 2013.