OUR TEAM

Thomas D. Johnson has more than 36 years experience in the health care industry. In 1991, Mr. Johnson founded Health Services, Inc., a long-term care company. In 2015, the company rebranded itself as a non-profit, known as The Trousdale Foundation, which it operates to this day. The new direction for the company was instigated by Tom’s long-held desire and vision to fund The Trousdale School, a separate non-profit, post-secondary school for adults with intellectual disabilities, now in its successful 17 th year of operation.

Earlier in his career, Tom served as Executive Vice President of Acquisitions for Krupp Company and Harborside Healthcare, Ltd. (1989-1990) and as Vice President of Acquisitions for Life Care Affiliates (1986-1989).

In the mid-seventies and eighties, prior to entering the health care industry, Mr. Johnson served as Vice President of Lending for The Cleveland Bank Trust Company (1977-1986) in Cleveland, Tennessee and worked as a sales representative for Lindsay, Bradley Johnson Advertising, Inc. (1974-1977).

Mr. Johnson has served on a multitude of boards and associations, amongst them: the American Healthcare Association, the American Banker’s Association, the Board of Stewards for Broad Street Methodist Church, and the United Professional Speakers’ Association. He is also a member of the United Way, the YMCA Board of Directors and the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.

In 1974, Mr. Johnson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee. He is a 1983 graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Banking and a 1985 graduate of The School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. On a more personal note, Tom played for the National Football League and the World Football League from 1973 to 1975. He resides in Cleveland, Tennessee where he is happily married to Judy, his childhood sweetheart. Together they have three grown children and four grandchildren.

CEO Connie Bessler brings 35 years of health care industry experience to Trousdale Living Communities. She joined the company in March of 2021 as the Regional Vice President for Trousdale’s Florida facilities, overseeing The Palms Home Care and The Palms of Sebring. Connie is a trained speech pathologist but has spent most of her career in business and executive management. She’s overseen approximately 46 skilled nursing, assisted living and home health agencies as part of Greystone Healthcare Management, and spearheaded acquisitions and development of existing and new facilities in Florida, Ohio, and Indiana. She’s been nominated as CEO of the Year numerous times and won Top Workplace awards for 7 consecutive years. Connie brings strong, results-driven focus and innovation as CEO of Trousdale Living Communities.  

CFO Ron Swartz joined Trousdale Living Communities in September 2021. He brings 35 years of experience as a CPA to the company, with an extensive background in health care reimbursement, budgeting, and forecasting, as well as IT and financial operations. Ron worked with Trousdale CEO Connie Bessler in a similar capacity for 16 years at Greystone Healthcare Management in overseeing approximately 46 skilled nursing, assisted living and home health agencies. He’s been nominated as CFO of the year for mid-size companies, and has dedicated his career to executive management, primarily in skilled nursing and home health fields. 

Dan holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Richmond and has been practicing law for over 30 years. He has represented health care companies most of his career. Dan oversees the legal functions for TLC which include defense of litigated matters, merger and acquisition, contract review, corporate governance and corporate and regulatory compliance. Away from work, Dan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing golf, hiking, biking and traveling.

Lisa is responsible for hiring at all TLC facilities. She has been a Corporate Director of Recruiting for 20 years. When she is not recruiting, Lisa enjoys going to flea markets, cooking, spending time with her children and grandchildren and watching pro football.

Tyler holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix. His role involves purchase approvals, capital expenditure project management and vendor relations. When he’s not helping the company manage expenses, he enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with his 90-pound poodle named Leo.

Nikki is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of the revenue cycle. With 12 years of Skilled Nursing accounts receivable experience, she is passionate about providing excellent care to our residents. In order to do so, she ensures the financial success of each facility by providing training and education, implementing streamlined processes and maintaining up to date knowledge on all CMS billing guidelines.

When Nikki is not focusing on maximizing monthly revenue, she and her husband enjoy hiking, kayaking and traveling the country.

Chris is a very popular woman because she oversees payroll for all TLC facilities. She’s worked in the payroll departments of SLSS, Walden Security and Nestle USA. When she’s not crunching the numbers, Chris spends her time cooking and soaking up the sun on the beach.

Lavinia holds an MBA in Business Administration and Human Resources and has worked as an Accounting Specialist II and Accounts Payable technician. When she’s not busy processing and coding invoices for payment, she spends her spare time doing what she enjoys: singing and crocheting.

When not enjoying spending time with her grandchildren and family, Angela is busy as an Accounts Payable Specialist. She attended Northwestern Technical College for Accounting/Business and has worked as an accountant for Palmetto State Property and Associates, Main Street Transfer and Storage and for Woodbridge. She also enjoys True Crime and Mystery novels.

Janice attended Cleveland State Community College and is invaluable in her role of supporting the CEO, CFO and the Operations Team. She held previous roles at CEI, Inc., and at Erlanger, where she was the CFO’s Executive Assistant.

Previously a Resident Program Director and then Executive Director at Enlivant Senior Living, Ashley serves as a Recruiting Manager for TLC. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management with an emphasis in Healthcare from Tennessee Wesleyan University. When not recruiting, Ashley loves to journal and take Jeep rides through the mountains.

With a degree from Cleveland State, Leana helps manage a well-oiled corporate office machine as the Corporate Receptionist. Leana has worked in business development, as a customer service lead, human resources assistant and a branch office administrator. When she’s not running the office, Leana enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, UT football and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Joel holds a BBA in Accounting from Freed-Hardeman University and is responsible for directing the Accounting Department and financial reporting for TLC. He was previously part of the Audit staff at Armanino LLP in Dallas, Texas and also worked at Elliott Davis LLC in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Joel is a also a Certified Public Accountant.

Donald is non-stop compassion and care to the residents under his care of his facility.   He is best known to prioritize the needs of the residents and create organization.  On his spare time he enjoys all aspects of sports and enjoys the outdoors. Most favorite hobbies include racing Ironman competitions, long distance swim competitions.  Enjoys his time on the water.

While having her MA in Health Services Administration from Strayer University, and her BA in Anthropology from the University of Georgia, Jennifer has worked for several Senior Care facilities, including Sava Senior Care, Pruitt Home Health and Life Choice Hospice. When she’s not at work, Jennifer enjoys cooking and catching up on her reading.

Kathy has a long and experienced accounting background, including JWC Specialties, Bake Marketing and Pruett Electric. Now, she keeps the books for TLC. When she’s not doing that, Kathy enjoys playing the piano and singing with family, as well as crocheting, knitting and reading.

Stacey holds a BA in general studies from Midwestern, and manages human resources and benefits needs for TLC. She’s worked for Morningside Assisted Living communities, Health Services Management and even Fox 61 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When she has the benefit of time off, Stacey enjoys reading and cooking.

Brandy holds an MHA from Rasmussen, and in her role as Regional Vice President of Operations, provides support for the leadership teams at the TLC properties in Florida and Wisconsin. She has been an Executive Director at lady Lake Specialty Care, The Grove Health and Rehabilitation and North Rehabilitation Center. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Florida. In her spare time, Brandy enjoys shopping.

Dana provides clinical oversight and support for TLC facilities in the state of Ohio. She received her Bachelor’s of Nursing Degree from Wright State University, and also holds a Masters of Nursing and a Masters of Business Administration/health Care Management. She has 25 years of experience as a Director of Nursing, as well as being a Home Health Clinical Manager and Quality Management Specialist. Dana is a big supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandsons.

Andon brings world class computer expertise coupled with his hands-on experience working as a Child Care Advocate, Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Assistant, and Project Manager joining our SLSS leadership team. In his previous roles before joining SLSS Andon had medical and clinical experience providing years of dedicated Quality Improvement, and Clinical Informatics Analyst expertise and health care leadership to a couple of top tier healthcare providers across the country.

As a doctoral candidate currently pursuing his Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) Andon enjoys spending weekends and evenings studying with the dedicated goal of graduating from George Washington University in May of 2024.  Andon really enjoys Football and watching the Detroit Lions, Golfing and spending time with his dog A.J. Andon also enjoys intellectual challenges of data science/data analytics as well as health information cybersecurity, to be able to analyze and protect healthcare data.

Eunice Megawati was born and grew up in Indonesia. Graduated her bachelor’s degree from Adventist University in Bandung, Indonesia. Then she took master’s degree MBA in Philippines and graduated in 2008. After she graduated from Philippines, she worked for Palau Adventist Schools for several years. Then moved to Penang, Malaysia and worked as Lead Accountant for Penang Adventist Hospital for almost a couple of years. Then she moved to Indonesia and worked as Lead Accountant in one of Distributor Company. Now she is happy to settle down in USA with her husband and two beautiful daughters.

Jana tends to the professional everyday needs and responsibilities of Mr. Johnson’s busy life. She holds a BA from the College of William & Mary and an MA from Vanderbilt. Prior to her tenure as Mr. Johnson’s Executive Assistant, Jana worked alongside her late husband in the Advertising and Entertainment Business in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from Switzerland, she enjoys hiking with her pup, Pilates and the arts, amongst many other interests.

Annette is our Treasury Accountant and handled all banking transactions.  Prior to working with us, she worked as the Treasury Accountant for Life Care Centers for three years.  Annette has also worked as a Bookkeeper at an accounting firm for non-profit Companies.  She also is currently the Accountant for Heartland and Madisonville facilities.  Annette received her Accounting Degree from Corinthian Colleges.  When she’s not at work, she enjoys doing crafts (anything with glitter) – designing and decorating epoxied tumblers, trinket boxes, key chains, etc.  She also loves anything Elvis!