Emerald Communities names Jo Hollis chief human resources and compliance officer

Jo Hollis

Jo Hollis has been appointed chief human resources and compliance officer at Redmond, WA-based Emerald Communities, sponsor of two continuing care retirement / life plan communities, Heron’s Key of Gig Harbor, WA. and Emerald Heights of Redmond, WA. 

She will lead the human resources department and support the compliance and risk management for Heron’s Key and Emerald Heights. Hollis will develop, manage and integrate a full range of HR programs, including talent acquisition, leadership and organizational development, performance management, employee relations, human resource information systems, compensation and benefits programs.

A 15-year professional of human resources in senior living communities, Hollis previously was a human resources generalist at Emerald Heights and most recently was Life Care Services’ regional human resources director, overseeing and supporting human resources functions for 20 CCRCs nationwide.

Hollis attended California State University in Fullerton, where she earned a Master of Science degree in counseling and psychology. She is a certified professional by the Society for Human Resource Management.

Best Life Brands names J.J. Sorrenti CEO

J.J. Sorrenti

J.J. Sorrenti has been named CEO of Bloomfield Hills, MI- based Best Life Brands, a family of companies along the continuum of senior care.

Sorrenti will oversee the strategic growth plans of CarePatrol, a senior placement organization; ComForCare and At Your Side, franchised providers of home care; and Blue Moon Estate Sales, an estate sale franchise. Together, they include nearly 400 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Sorrenti has led multiple companies over the past 25 years. Most recently, he was president of Safeguard Business Systems, a division of Deluxe Corp. His other roles included serving as CEO and board member of Hollywood Tans, CEO of Huntington Learning Centers, and senior vice president and general manager at General Nutrition Centers. Sorrenti is also involved with the International Franchise Association and sits on the board of trustees for the IFA Education Foundation.

CRG taps J.J. Smith to lead residential business

J.J. Smith

J.J. Smith has joined the executive leadership team of CRG, the real estate development and investment arm of Chicago-based Clayco, as managing partner of its residential business. Smith comes to CRG with more then a decade of leadership experience at Chicago-based CA Ventures, where he launched vertically integrated real estate development and investment platforms that included more than 40,000 units of housing and over $6 billion in executed projects.

In his role as managing partner, Smith will deliver properties for all residential asset classes across North America, including senior living, multifamily, student housing, co-living and workforce housing. 

Before joining CRG, Smith was principal of CA Ventures and president of CA Student Living. He has an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from the University of Illinois.