News Archives - Page 2 of 7 - John Knox Village

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.

Entry into Nautilus Bar at John Knox Village

Andrew Rugge/Perkins Eastman

JKV Wins Platinum Award for Innovative Dining Design

November 5, 2025/in News

Environments For Aging, October 17, 2025

by Robert McCune | Editor

Trends: What’s Driving Dining in Senior Living?

Dining spaces in senior living communities are evolving to provide not just a meal, but an experience that’s designed to fuel connection and belonging. “Dining is such an important part of everyone’s lives…and it’s a large piece of the social life of residents on a senior living campus,” says Brandon Dilla, a senior associate at Perkins Eastman.

At John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida, a campus redevelopment started with adding two new luxury residential towers and event space before an opportunity arose to also improve and expand the community’s dining offering as part of an “experience district.” At the time, the luxury independent and assisted living community had a small cafe and one main cafeteria-style dining building, which “wasn’t really giving residents the choice they are looking for in their community,” says Dilla, who was the architectural designer and project manager.

During the phased project, the design team replaced the main cafeteria with five distinct restaurant-style venues that support residents’ desire to choose what and where they eat. The project took home the top Platinum Award in Environments in Aging’s 2025 Dining Competition.

The refreshed dining offerings also connect to the experience district’s social, cultural, fitness and residential components via pedestrian pathways along the lake, creating a heart of activity on campus, Dilla says. “The evolution of dining into a more experiential environment isn’t something that’s going to go away, he says. “Communities are working to step up their game as they reposition their offerings for future residents.”

Read the full story here.

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 resident at on-site vaccine clinic getting a COVID vaccine

JKV Brings COVID and Flu Vaccines On-Site to Protect Residents and Staff

October 31, 2025/in News

TAPinto Pompano Beach, October 10, 2025

by Jeff Yastine | Editor

POMPANO BEACH — As fall and winter approach, John Knox Village is continuing its proactive health measures by offering on-site COVID-19 and flu vaccines to residents and employees.

Bob Atkins, a Vietnam veteran, was one of the 400 residents who were registered for the event: “I’ve always gotten the flu shot, my wife and I, every year, so I think it’s important,” he said. “The ease of getting the shot here, so close, I can walk right over and get it.”

At the onset of the pandemic, John Knox Village was among the first communities in Florida to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Douglas Folsom, COO of John Knox Village, said that since then, the organization continues to raise awareness among residents about the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations.

“We’ve brought the vaccine to the community. We bring our flu shots to the community. Why? Because we want to make it convenient for our employees and our residents,” he said. “When COVID hit, we really made a conscious effort to protect not only our employees, but also our residents. Our job here is to protect our residents and take care of them.”

Read the full story here.

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.

Jennifer Stevens, VP of Healthcare at John Knox Village

JKV in the News: Jennifer Stevens, a Woman of Influence

October 24, 2025/in News

Lifestyle Magazine, September 2025

Jennifer Stevens, JKV’s Vice President of Healthcare was selected by Lifestyle Magazine as a Woman 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 leader of the healthcare team at John Knox Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Pompano Beach, Florida, she has inspired the healthcare team to not only care for JKV’s residents, but to also get to know them deeply as individuals.

As a serving member on the Board of Trustees for LeadingAge Southeast, representing CCRCs in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, Jennifer is able to participate in the annual legislative session in Tallahassee, engaging directly with Florida senators and representatives to help shape policies that impact older adult healthcare.

Read the full story here.

Jennifer 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.

senior man petting a maltese dog as part of canine assisted therapy

JKV in the News: Canine Assisted Therapy Brings Its Furry Friends to John Knox

August 12, 2025/in News

The New Pelican, August 7, 2025

by Michael d’Oliveira | Editor

The dogs of Canine Assisted Therapy (CAT) visit the residents at John Knox Village twice a month, bringing joy to the residents living in JKV’s Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing homes.

“When you pet a dog for 15 minutes, it lowers blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormones),” said Rosemary Blumberg, a certified therapeutic recreation therapist. Blumberg brings Toby, her golden doodle, on regular visits to senior care facilities, hospitals, libraries, and other places around the county where people might benefit from pet therapy.

“The biggest benefit is that he brings smiles to people’s faces…It makes them happy,” says Blumberg. “It brings up a lot of emotions.”

“You can feel the magic of the moment when these dogs walk into the room — faces light up, energy shifts, and there’s an instant sense of connection. It’s a beautiful reminder of the comfort and joy animals bring to our lives,” wrote Jackie Ducci, the founder of The Human-Animal Alliance, in an email.

Said John Knox Village resident Will about the visit to John Knox, “It was a treat.”

Read the full story here.

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.

The New Pelican front page, July 3, 2025

JKV in the News: “Scooter” Hayes, Resident Spotlight

July 17, 2025/in News

If it can be done sitting down, she can do it.

Although John Knox Village resident Terry “Scooter” Hayes is confined to a wheelchair due to a neurological disorder, she remains more active than many people.

Hayes, 66, suffers from primary cerebellar degeneration, which has resulted in complete paralysis in her legs. However, her slight, small-framed body seated on a wheelchair belies what she’s been able to accomplish despite her physical limitations. At age 63, she competed on the U.S. Wheelchair Fencing team at the 2020 Paralympics Games in Tokyo. She was the oldest member of the team, having to compete against others as young as teens.

“Scooter” Hayes, Paralympian, U.S. Wheelchair Fencing Team

When confronted with the reality of the mobility challenges she’d be facing with her medical condition, she told her doctors, “I’m not gonna live like that. I’m gonna live.”

Read the full story here.

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.

McKnights Senior Living: From Tragedy, a Chance for Education

July 14, 2025/in News

The death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa was a heartbreaking reminder that aging at home can come with unforeseen challenges.

At age 95, beloved actor Gene Hackman was aging at home with his 65-year old wife, Betsy Arakawa as his caretaker. When Betsy fell ill from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, she passed in their home, leaving Gene without a caretaker which led to his demise days later.

What happened to Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa was devastating and tragic, and it’s an example of what can go wrong when older adults choose to age in place.

As a guest columnist for McKnights Senior Living, Kim Ali, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at John Knox Village of Florida hopes that education about life-plan communities as an option for seniors, in light of this tragedy, may prevent this from happening to others.

Read the full story here.

VP of Sales & Marketing, Kim Ali

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.