Anna Petersmeyer visited Vista Prairie at River Heights just a week after she assumed her new role as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Vista Prairie Communities (VPC). Unfortunately, the visit was cut short. Our community in South St. Paul had just learned of a positive COVID-19 test in a staff member. All non-essential visits were halted.
In her initial two weeks on the job, it was a strong first impression for the veteran senior housing executive. She’s taking on a daunting responsibility to ensure safety and compliance with a myriad of health care policies from multiple agencies. That visit also was a dose of déjà vu.
“My River Heights visit was a homecoming of sorts,” Anna recalled. “In 2003, I managed River Heights when it was owned by a different long-term care organization. It was great to be back there to see the care and thorough precautions being provided during the pandemic.”
Anna brings a wealth of experience to Vista Prairie. She came from Volunteers of America – Minnesota and Wisconsin where she served for more than eight years, the last three as that organization’s Chief Operating Officer. At VPC she will be responsible to lead our assisted living and memory care services for the residents of all our communities, working closely with and leading the executive directors in each community, as well as our clinical staff.
“One of my great joys will be to further refine and develop our plans to ensure an exceptional lifestyle for our residents,” says Anna.
She is well suited for that visionary role and for the locations of our communities. Anna grew up farming in rural Wisconsin. She remains a self-proclaimed ‘farm girl’ and is a Licensed Social Worker. She also has served on LeadingAge’s Housing, Home Care & Assisted Living and HUD/Affordable Housing Committees.
Anna received the 2015 Leadership Award from National Volunteers of America for outstanding operational management in Housing, Older Adult Services and Assisted Living. She holds a BA in Social Work from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MBA from Bethel University.
Welcome aboard Anna, and by the way – today is her birthday!