Comings & Goings: June 2021

by Jerri McCandless, ANCOR

Comings & Goings is an ongoing feature of Connections in which we highlight exciting changes happening at ANCOR member agencies and state associations. 

Bethesda Lutheran Services

WATERTOWN, WI: Dr. Mike Thirtle (left), who has served as Bethesda’s CEO for seven years, will be leaving the organization on July 9 to become CEO of the Gary Senise Foundation on July 12. Prior to his tenure with Bethesda, Mike had over 20 years of military service and 12 years at the RAND Corporation. The Gary Senise Foundation supports military, first-responders and their families.

Bethesda’s Chief Operating Officer, Dave Sneddon (right), has been appointed as Interim CEO. Dave joined Bethesda two years ago and brought over 16 years of senior leadership experience in health care, senior housing and skilled nursing.

Bethesda is a multi-state provider, founded in 1904 in Wisconsin.

Hills & Dales

DUBUQUE, IA: Marilyn Althoff (left), CEO of Hills & Dales, announced plans to retire on July 2, capping a nearly 32-year career with the organization, including 16 as CEO. Marilyn began her career with Hills & Dales in 1989 as an Environmental Services Supervisor and served in numerous supervisory and leadership roles before taking the helm as CEO in 2004. Under her leadership, Hills & Dales was recognized as Dubuque’s top overall “Coolest Place to Work” in Dubuque in 2020.

Marilyn has been a very committed volunteer with ANCOR. She has served on multiple committees and task forces, including the Government Relations Committee. She has served multiple terms on the ANCOR Board of Representatives. Upon retirement, she plans to travel and spend more time with family, including her husband, children and grandchildren. Marilyn may also do some consulting.

Jack Mescher (right) will step into the role of CEO in on July 2. Jack has served as Government Relations and Assistant Director for Hills & Dales since March 2020.

Keystone Human Services

HARRISBURG, PA: Robert (Bob) Baker recently retired as Vice President of Keystone Human Services, a multi-state and international provider agency. He brought over 30 years of diverse administrative experience in health systems and managed care to Keystone. Bob also served as Chief Executive Officer for Keystone Service Systems, for which he was responsible for the oversight and supervision of intellectual disability services, mental health services, Capital Area Head Start and Susquehanna Service Dogs. He also was responsible for development of one of Keystone’s subsidiaries, Keystone Autism Services.  

Bob was very active in Pennsylvania’s state associations, as well as with ANCOR. He served on various committees and task forces, including multiple terms on the ANCOR Board of Directors, with terms as Secretary/Treasurer and, more recently, as Vice President.

For the near future, Bob and his wife, Chris, intend to do some travelling and spend time with family.

Have news about retirements, appointments, celebrations, mergers, acquisitions and more? Email items for Comings & Goings to Jerri McCandless at [email protected].