News Archives - John Knox Village

Jody Leshinsky holding an ArtServe award

JKV Life Enrichment Manager, Jody Leshinsky Receives 2026 ArtServe Impact Award

April 28, 2026/in News

On April 17, 2026, at Broward County’s ArtServe 2026 Impact Awards Gala, Jody Leshinsky, Life Enrichment Manager at John Knox Village was recognized as a Community Leader of Impact and honored as one of four recipients of an ArtServe Impact Award.

Jason Hughes, CEO of ArtServe, noted, “The Impact Awards are about celebrating the people who pour their time, talent, and heart into Broward County’s arts community.”

A lifelong arts advocate, Leshinsky has helped shape Broward County’s cultural landscape for more than four decades. She began her career with the county in 1981, and in 2016, she took over programming for the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, and other venues.

Since joining John Knox Village in 2022, she has continued to elevate the arts, leading a team that produces more than 200 arts and cultural programs each month—enriching residents’ lives and strengthening community through the arts.

Jody Leshinsky on stage accepting an Impact Award from ArtServe

Jody Leshinsky accepts 2026 ArtServe Impact Award

2026 ArtServe Impact Award Winners

About John Knox Village, Pompano Beach
John Knox Village (JKV) is an internationally award-winning Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Founded in 1967, JKV is home to approximately 1,000 residents and offers a full continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing, within a lush, botanical 70-acre campus. JKV offers an upscale, enriching lifestyle within a supportive, stress-free environment. The community combines exceptional amenities with lifelong learning opportunities, innovative wellness programs, and services designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Its dedicated team consistently delivers a forward-thinking approach to modern retirement living.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal tour.

JKV Recognized in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Senior Living Rankings

April 24, 2026/in News

For Immediate Release

POMPANO BEACH, FL | April 20, 2026

John Knox Village of Florida (JKV) in Pompano Beach has been named among the 2026 Best Senior Living communities by U.S. News & World Report, earning top ratings in Independent Living, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), and Assisted Living categories.

Recognized globally for its trusted health care rankings and consumer guidance, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 3,000 senior living communities nationwide for its 2026 report, ultimately naming 1,614 as “Best Senior Living” communities based on excellence in care and resident satisfaction.

“We are deeply honored, once again, to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top retirement community,” said Melissa Honig, CEO and President of John Knox Village of Florida, Inc. “This distinction reflects our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for residents to live fully—through connection, wellness, and comprehensive support at every stage of life.”

The Best Senior Living ratings are designed to help older adults and their families navigate the often complex search for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or continuing care retirement communities. Ratings are based on a comprehensive national survey of residents and their family members, conducted on behalf of U.S. News & World Report by authorized survey providers.

Communities are evaluated on key factors including:

Dining and Activities
Management and Staff Responsiveness
Overall Value
Social Engagement
Safety and Caregiving

Only the highest-performing communities in each care level earn a “Best” designation, reflecting insights gathered from more than 540,000 consumer surveys.

About John Knox Village, Pompano Beach
JKV is an internationally award-winning Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community located in Pompano Beach. Founded in 1967, JKV is home to approximately 1,000 residents and offers a full continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing, within a lush, botanical 70-acre campus. JKV offers an upscale, enriching lifestyle within a supportive, stress-free environment. The community combines exceptional amenities with lifelong learning opportunities, innovative wellness programs, and services designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Its dedicated team consistently delivers a forward-thinking approach to modern retirement living.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal tour.

Parkinson’s Support Group at JKV Shows Residents They Are Not Alone

April 15, 2026/in News

The New Pelican

by Martin Lenkowsky | New Pelican Writer

Parkinson's Support Group meeting circle at John Knox Village

JKV Fitness Manager Erik Nenortas leads the Parkinson’s Support Group in discussion

Pompano Beach — The mood in the room was upbeat. Not one trace of defeatism could be felt within this small John Knox Village Support Group.

The positive attitude displayed by group members on this Wednesday afternoon, belied by the seriousness of the diagnosis each in the room carries: Parkinson’s disease, a potentially debilitating neurological impairment.

Leading the John Knox Village Parkinson’s Support Group in discussion and exercise was Erik V. Nenortas, John Knox Village’s fitness and wellness manager. A hand-held mike is passed around so everyone can provide input and share their experiences.

Read the full article: “You’re not alone in this”: John Knox Parkinson’s support group meets twice a month – New Pelican

More Than a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade
For nearly 60 years, John Knox Village of Pompano Beach, Florida has set the standard for all-inclusive, resort-style retirement living. Residents enjoy world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, nutritious dining, and a vibrant calendar of activities designed to promote total well-being.

JKV also offers peace of mind with on-campus healthcare, 24/7 EMTs and security, and no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits — a hallmark of its Life-Plan contract.

Ready to Make Your Move?
At JKV, starting your next chapter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Residents experience a smooth, stress-free transition and begin enjoying all that JKV has to offer right away.

To learn more about living at John Knox Village or to schedule a personal visit, contact our team today.

JKV’s Kim Ali, VP of Sales & Marketing Honored with Prestigious Women Award

March 25, 2026/in News

We are proud to share that Kim Ali, John Knox Village’s VP of Sales and Marketing, has been selected as an Honoree for the South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW Magazine) Prestigious Women Awards. With this award, she is being recognized as one of South Florida’s most distinguished female professionals.

This award honors South Florida’s most influential, inspiring, and successful female leaders, whose innovations and success help drive the South Florida economy. These thought leaders, change makers and trailblazers will be celebrated during the Annual Prestigious Women Awards on April 29, 2026.

Congratulations to Kim for this well-deserved honor, recognizing her unwavering commitment to the residents of John Knox Village, and the greater South Florida community.

Well done!

5 women leaders at John Knox Village recognized by South Florida Business Journal during Women's History Month

Five JKV Leaders Who Help Shape JKV

March 24, 2026/in News

As we honor Women’s History Month, South Florida Business Journal recognizes five leaders at John Knox Village who help shape South Florida’s premier life-plan community.

View the article: South Florida Business Journal People on the Move March 2026

Boca Magazine Asks the Experts: A Talk with Melissa Honig

February 6, 2026/in News

Boca Magazine, February 2026

Boca Magazine sought to find answers and inspiration from a select group of South Florida local experts in various professions.

The February issue features an interview with John Knox Village’s Melissa Honig, President & CEO, who shares her insights about JKV and senior living.

Boca Magazine - February 2026 cover featuring Patti Lupone

Click and find Melissa’s interview on page 76.

As CEO, Melissa leads with experience and genuine compassion at the helm of John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida (JKV). JKV is a Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community offering an exceptional lifestyle with a full continuum of care, there should you ever need it.

We invite you to learn more and see our breathtaking campus, the astounding amenities, our outstanding team, and the remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal visit.

McKnights Senior Living: People in the News

January 15, 2026/in News

John Knox Village names Melissa Honig President and CEO

Melissa B. Honig has been appointed President and CEO of Pompano Beach, Florida-based John Knox Village.

Honig previously was the executive director of Valle Verde, a HumanGood continuing care retirement community in Santa Barbara, California. She worked there for the past 11 years before moving to Florida.

Read the full story here.

Melissa Honig, John Knox Village Chief Executive Officer

Melissa Honig, JKV President & Chief Executive Officer

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

Senior Housing News: Movers and Shakers – Announcing New Leadership at JKV

January 7, 2026/in News

Senior Housing News | January 6, 2026

Movers and Shakers: Civitas Senior Living Announces Leadership Shifts; Acts Retirement-Life CEO to Retire

By Andrew Christman

Melissa Honig, LNHA, MHSA John Knox Village Chief Executive Officer

Senior Housing News shared the appointment of Melissa B. Honig, former executive director of Valle Verde in Santa Barbara, a HumanGood life plan community as JKV’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Read the full story here.

About Melissa Honig, President & Chief Executive Officer

Melissa Honig earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration with a double minor in Business and Gerontology from James Madison University’s School of Integrated Science and Technology. She holds a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) with a concentration in Management and Leadership from The George Washington University’s School of Public Health and Health Services. Honig currently serves on LeadingAge’s Education Committee and maintains her Nursing Home Administrator and Dementia Care licenses. Her speaking engagements and conference participation include the LeadingAge Leadership Summit, Environments for Aging, The Alzheimer’s Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In November 2025, Honig relocated from Santa Barbara, CA, to East Boca Raton, FL, with her husband and son. Florida has long been a second home to her family—her grandparents moved from Long Island when she was young, followed by her parents. Honig has fond childhood memories of Fort Lauderdale and looks forward to creating lasting experiences for her family in the Sunshine State.

About John Knox Village, Pompano Beach

John Knox Village (JKV) is an internationally award-winning Life-Plan Retirement Community in Pompano Beach, FL, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to senior living. Since 1967, JKV has provided an upscale, enriching lifestyle within a supportive, stress-free environment. As a Life Plan community, JKV offers a comprehensive continuum of care—from independent and assisted living to short- and long-term skilled nursing—providing residents with lifelong peace of mind. JKV combines exceptional amenities with lifelong learning opportunities, wellness programs, and services that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Home to approximately 1,000 residents, JKV’s dedicated team brings the community’s mission to life every day, consistently exceeding expectations in modern retirement living.

To learn more information or to schedule a visit, contact us today or call 954-783-4040.

JKV Appoints Melissa B. Honig President & Chief Executive Officer

January 6, 2026/in News

First Female CEO in JKV’s 58-Year History Brings a Forward-Thinking Vision for the Future of Senior Living

POMPANO BEACH, FL | January 5, 2026 — John Knox Village (JKV) (www.johnknoxvillage.com) in Pompano Beach, FL, announces the historic appointment of Melissa B. Honig, LNHA, MHSA, as its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Honig becomes the first woman to hold the CEO position in JKV’s 58-year history, and is its 14th Chief Executive Officer.

Honig steps into the CEO role with a long-standing connection to JKV and a deep appreciation for its resident-centered philosophy. Honig states, “I felt called to return to a place that left a lasting impression on me. My first encounter with JKV was in 2011 during my work with The Green House Project, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative. I am inspired by JKV’s commitment to forward-thinking senior living solutions. JKV was the first community in Florida to adopt the Green House model, an innovative, person-directed care environment that demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of both residents and team members.”

In her previous position, Honig served as the Executive Director of Valle Verde in Santa Barbara, a HumanGood Life Plan Community, California’s largest nonprofit provider of senior housing and the sixth-largest nonprofit senior living organization in the nation. During her tenure, Valle Verde was rated the nation’s number-one retirement community by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. She served there for the past 11 years before moving to Boca Raton this fall with her husband and son to join John Knox Village.

Recently retired Dr. Salvatore Barbera, longtime JKV Board Member and President/CEO for the past four years, shared in Honig’s leadership. “Melissa Honig is the right leader for JKV at the right time. She has an exceptional ability to stay focused on people with intention. She is highly educated and has built an impressive career in senior living. I have full confidence that Melissa will take JKV to new heights while continuing to honor and value both residents and team members,” states Dr. Barbera.

Honig’s leadership priorities include building strong relationships across campus, fostering organizational transparency, and advancing initiatives that elevate the quality of life, services, and amenities for residents. Under her leadership, JKV will continue strengthening its reputation as a national model for engaged, purposeful, and wellness-focused senior living.

JKV’s Board of Directors expressed resounding enthusiasm for Honig’s appointment. “Melissa’s leadership style, deep industry expertise, and unwavering commitment to resident well-being and team support made her the ideal choice to lead John Knox Village,” said Jack Crissy, Chairman of the Board. “We are confident she will inspire our community and guide JKV into an exciting new chapter.”

Melissa Honig in the News:

South Florida Business & Wealth: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Senior Living

The New Pelican: John Knox’s First Female CEO Says Communication is Key to Success

McKnights Senior Living: People in the News

Senior Living News: JKV Appoints Melissa B. Honig President & Chief Executive Officer

Senior Housing News: Movers and Shakers

TAP into Pompano Beach: A Vision for “One Culture”: Melissa Honig Takes the Helm at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach

About Melissa Honig, President & Chief Executive Officer

Melissa Honig earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration with a double minor in Business and Gerontology from James Madison University’s School of Integrated Science and Technology. She holds a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) with a concentration in Management and Leadership from The George Washington University’s School of Public Health and Health Services. Honig currently serves on LeadingAge’s Education Committee and maintains her Nursing Home Administrator and Dementia Care licenses. Her speaking engagements and conference participation include the LeadingAge Leadership Summit, Environments for Aging, The Alzheimer’s Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In November 2025, Honig relocated from Santa Barbara, CA, to East Boca Raton, FL, with her husband and son. Florida has long been a second home to her family—her grandparents moved from Long Island when she was young, followed by her parents. Honig has fond childhood memories of Fort Lauderdale and looks forward to creating lasting experiences for her family in the Sunshine State.

About John Knox Village, Pompano Beach

John Knox Village (JKV) is an internationally award-winning Life-Plan Retirement Community in Pompano Beach, FL, renowned for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to senior living. Since 1967, JKV has provided an upscale, enriching lifestyle within a supportive, stress-free environment. As a Life Plan community, JKV offers a comprehensive continuum of care—from independent and assisted living to short- and long-term skilled nursing—providing residents with lifelong peace of mind. JKV combines exceptional amenities with lifelong learning opportunities, wellness programs, and services that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Home to approximately 1,000 residents, JKV’s dedicated team brings the community’s mission to life every day, consistently exceeding expectations in modern retirement living.

To learn more information or to schedule a visit, contact us today or call 954-783-4040.

William Kelly, JKV CFO selected as Man of Influence

JKV in the News: William Kelly, a Man of Influence

November 7, 2025/in News

Lifestyle Magazine, October 2025

William Kelly, JKV’s Chief Financial Officer was selected by Lifestyle Magazine as a Man of Influence as part of their feature story, spotlighting changemakers who are shaping our world. This honor aims to introduce us to leaders in the community who make a difference in South Florida business and community involvement.

As the Chief Financial Officer at John Knox Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Pompano Beach, Florida, Bill sees the residents as an extension of his own family. It is of the utmost importance to him that JKV residents not only have a place to live, but a place where they can thrive with a lifestyle filled with connection, security, and purpose.

Bill reflects on his own grandmother, who in the last few years of her life was homebound, and only had company when someone came to visit. He wishes she could have had the support of a community like John Knox Village where she could have been surrounded by friends, engaged in purposeful activities, and had the assurance that her healthcare needs would have been met.

Whenever he is faced with a decision at work, he asks himself: “What would I want for my grandmother?”

In his words, Bill says, “I feel truly fortunate that every day I get to give back by helping create an environment that makes life better for many residents we serve. It’s more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to honor the people who came before us and ensure they live with dignity, joy, and security.”

Read the full story here.

William is one of the exceptional leaders at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida. We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, our outstanding team, and the remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal visit.