Leadership

Cyndi Walters was named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) in May 2021, assuming the position full time in August 2021. Prior to this role, she held the position of chief operating officer (COO) since 2016.

Cyndi has served at NLCS in varying capacities for nine years, first as a consultant before joining as chief operating officer in 2016. Cumulatively, she has over 30 years of experience in the senior living industry including a strong background in strategically growing and diversifying the organization and an enhanced focus on operating as a senior-living system and leveraging its benefits and efficiencies. Prior to joining NLCS, she provided project management and advisory services to senior living organizations through Walters Advisors, LLC. She has also served in a leadership role at Presbyterian Senior Living in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and during her 19 years at KPMG (a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services), spent significant time as a partner and leader of their National Senior Living Advisory Practice.

As president and CEO, Cyndi’s focus is strategically growing and furthering NLCS’ mission to honor, inspire and support choice and opportunity in partnership with older adults. Cyndi is an advocate for “aging with choice,” which means supporting older adults in making their own choices in aging, whether it means moving to a senior living community or brining in supportive services to their home. She is also an advocate for team members across the organization and leads a team dedicated to ensuring NLCS remains a Great Place to Work® and an employer of choice for those who have a heart to serve older adults.

Cyndi is a native of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from York College of Pennsylvania.

Victoria Blakemore, vice president of talent & culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion, provides leadership and direction to National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS’) talent & culture directors and talent acquisition team. She develops strategic initiatives to ensure NLCS’ talent and culture practices are optimal to maintain efficiency in recruiting and retention. Victoria also leads diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) programs and initiatives to promote an inclusive environment. In addition, she serves as a strategic advisor to entity senior leadership and cross-functional teams for effectively aligning business objectives.   

Prior to joining NLCS, she worked across different industries, including higher education, engineering services and manufacturing, which contributed to gaining a broader perspective on culture and building key skills of flexibility and adaptability. Victoria began her tenure with NLCS in 2013 where she worked at The Village at Orchard Ridge and The Village at Rockville prior to joining the NLCS office in 2017.   

Victoria is a Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) (SHRM-CP). She received her bachelor’s degree in management with a concentration on human resources from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and a master’s degree in management with a concentration on organizational leadership from American Public University. 

Donna Casner is vice president of finance for National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS). Donna has over 25 years of experience in the senior living arena. Prior to joining the finance team at NLCS, Donna served in a leadership role at Presbyterian Senior Living in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania for 18 years. 

Donna currently sits on the board of directors for Kairos Health Systems. Donna received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Towson University. 

Allison Combs has been a part of the National Lutheran family since 2011. Having held a variety of sales and marketing positions within National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) communities and the home office, Allison currently serves as the vice president of sales, marketing and communications, creating innovative sales and marketing strategies that integrate the mission and vision of NLCS into its communities.

John M. Midolo is the vice president of procurement and contract management. Mr. Midolo brings with him nearly 40 years of health care executive experience. Prior to joining the home office team at National Lutheran Communities & Services, Inc., John served as the executive director at The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community, from 2010 to 2015. John also served as the chief of operations at The Village at Rockville–A National Lutheran Community from 2008 to 2010. During this time, he received his license as a Nursing Home Administrator in the State of Maryland as well as the Commonwealth of Virginia.    

John’s experience in the health care industry includes holding numerous progressively responsible positions including senior vice president for outpatient services, director of regional operations and chief executive officer throughout Maryland and Virginia.   

Mr. Midolo received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and holds a Master of Science in health services administration from NOVA Southeastern University, Friedt School of Business and Entrepreneurship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

 

Craig Wagoner was named Vice President of Operations in March 2023. Craig provides strong leadership and direction to NLCS entities’ operational teams, ensuring daily business practices are meeting operational goals while maximizing efficiency. He works closely with NLCS leadership and its entities’ leadership teams to enhance existing services, develop new services and manage financial performance.  

Craig Wagoner joined The Village at Rockville as executive director in December 2022. Craig brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in leading life plan communities as well as an array of other skill sets that make him ideally suited to lead The Village at Rockville.

Craig has a servant’s heart, a passion for caring for older adults and an unwavering conviction that there is no limit to what can be achieved when good-hearted people come together to serve the common good.

Craig has over 10 years of executive leadership experience for multiple continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in Virginia, West Virginia and South Carolina. Most recently, Craig served as executive director for a luxury independent living retirement community in Charlottesville, Virginia. Craig’s experience also encompasses over 20 years in leadership and consulting in the non-profit arena.

Craig received his Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia and his Master of Divinity in pastoral ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.