Key Personnel

With over 100 years of combined senior living experience, the Arbor Company key personnel are committed to the success of each community. Click on a name below to learn more.

M.E. Costello - Chairman

M.E. helped found The Arbor Company over twenty years ago and has extensive experience in real estate development, management, and finance. He plays an active role in the company and has been a leader in the senior care industry in the Southeast, having served as past president of the Georgia ALFA chapter and on various state assisted living advisory committees. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and his MBA (Finance) from the University of Virginia. M.E.'s favorite traits in others are a FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION and BEING OPEN TO NEW IDEAS.

Ellison Thomas - President

Ellison helped found The Arbor Company and is involved in the company's strategic planning as well as all financing, acquisition, and divestiture activity. He has been instrumental in guiding Arbor's real estate development projects and oversees accounting and investor relations. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia. Ellison's favorite traits in others are HONESTY and DEPENDABILITY.

Judd Harper - Chief Operating Officer

Judd, who worked with a national senior care operator prior to joining The Arbor Company over ten years ago, is in charge of the company's day-to-day operations. He has strong financial analytical skills as well as in-depth knowledge of senior housing marketing and operations. He is active in senior living industry organizations and has helped Arbor gain national recognition for innovations that benefit the lives of its residents and employees. He is a graduate of Washington & Lee University. Judd's favorite traits in others are PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and a COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.

Shirley Paulk, R.N. - Vice President of Marketing

Shirley has over 25 years experience in healthcare, including long term care facility administration. Prior to joining Arbor over ten years ago, she served in key marketing positions for national rehabilitation services and senior living companies. Shirley's favorite traits in others are CREATIVITY, ENERGY and EXCITEMENT.

Mary Campbell Jenkins - VP of Operations

Mary Campbell, who has been with Arbor for over twelve years, oversees resident care and quality services. Her responsibilities include a wide range of innovative programs, from Dementia Care Specialist training to Arbor's Green initiatives. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill). Mary Campbell's favorite traits in others are DEDICATION and INNOVATION.

Francine O’Neill, R.N. – VP of Resident Care

Francine O’Neill serves as a clinical resource for resident care directors, overseeing ongoing quality improvement programs and regulatory compliance. She assists with indentifying and implementing programs that enhance care delivery and service to our residents and their families. Francine has over 20 years of experience in healthcare serving in both clinical leadership and operations management positions across the continuum of care including assisted living, long term care and acute care. Francine's favorite traits in others are COMMITMENT and ACCOUNTABILITY.

Laura Ellen McAvoy - Director of Engagement

Laura Ellen oversees each Arbor community’s engagement program working closely with Engagement Directors to implement balanced and innovative programs that strive to meet each resident’s individual needs. Included in Laura Ellen’s oversight of engagement is her partnership with Arbor’s Memory Care Consultant, Teepa Snow, assisting in the administration of the Dementia Care Specialist training program offered to all staff. Laura Ellen is also responsible for the development of web-based and print marketing initiatives and management of electronic reporting systems. She has been with Arbor over seven years and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. Laura Ellen’s favorite traits in others are SELF-MOTIVATION and INTEGRITY.

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Experience. Service. Knowledge. Excellence. Senior Living at The Arbor Company.