Vista Prairie Communities (VPC), a nonprofit provider of assisted living, independent living, memory care, care suites and respite services in Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio, has appointed Jeff Smith as Vice President of External Relations. As a member of the executive team, he will be responsible for reputation management, government relations and fund development for the 20-year-old organization.

For the past six years Jeff was Communications Director for Volunteers of America, Minnesota and Wisconsin (VOA-MN/WI), a non-profit health and human services organization. “I couldn't be more excited to have Jeff join the executive team here at VPC,” said President and CEO Jim Bettendorf. “Jeff’s diverse experience in non-profit and for-profit environments has prepared him well for this challenging new position. Our organization and its mission will benefit from his integrity, skills, and his collaborative approach.” Prior to VOA-MN/WI Jeff held business development and communications positions at three Twin Cities corporate headquarters -- UnitedHealth Group, Carlson and Northwest Airlines. He also served as President of Minnesota News Network when it was owned by Minnesota Public Radio. His undergraduate education in broadcast management is from Indiana University, with post-graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. He is a long-time member and has served in numerous lay-leadership roles with Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. Jeff begins his VPC service on January 31, 2019. He can be contacted at jeffsmith@vistaprairie.org. About Vista Prairie Communities Vista Prairie Communities (VPC) currently owns and operates eight senior living communities that provide compassionate care and joy-filled environments for older adults. Its services include assisted living, independent living, memory care, care suites and respite services in Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio. It is listed at 91on the 2018 LeadingAge Ziegler listing of the nation’s largest 200 not-for-profit multi-site senior living organizations. For more than 20 years VPC has been dedicated to the highest possible quality, striving to provide innovative and relevant services through collaborative partnerships; making a significant difference in the lives of those we are called to serve and their loved ones. We were founded in 1997. For more information, visit www.vistaprairie.org.