Independent Healthcare Properties Grows With New Appointments

Greg Vital, president and chief executive officer, and Franklin Farrow, chief operating officer, of Independent Healthcare Properties, LLC, jointly announced a new appointment at the corporate level and new executive directors at three of its Morning Pointe assisted living residences.

New vice president of asset management, Brien Applewhite, brings 22 years of healthcare management experience to IHP. His broad knowledge of accounting and finance will complement the company's solid financial performance, officials said.

Before joining IHP, Mr. Applewhite directed the financial and accounting departments for 40 retirement and assisted living communities across 20 states. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from UTC.

Kelli Harless was appointed as executive director for The Lantern Alzheimer's Center at Morning Pointe in Collegedale. Her past experience includes three years as the director of resident services at an assisted living facility where she also opened a program with specialized care for residents suffering from Alzheimer's. Over the past five years she held an active role with the Alzheimer's Association and formed a support group for families of those affected by the disease. Ms. Harless also spent 12 years as a nurse dedicated to geriatric care.

The newly appointed executive director for Morning Pointe of Athens, Tn., Debbie Moody, comes from a strong background in sales and marketing for home care and assisted living retirement communities. Her diverse background includes business management and special event coordination. Ms. Moody brings a hands-on approach with a strong patient interaction component to the position.

Connie Beal, new executive director at Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, brings expertise in management, geriatric care and resident safety. She has extensive experience working with area senior citizen's centers, community outreach activities and volunteer services, and has lived in the area for more than 26 years. Ms. Beal graduated from the Tennessee State Victim Assistance Academy and dedicated five years to assist senior citizens who were victims of neglect or abuse.

Independent Healthcare Properties, LLC was founded by Greg Vital and Franklin Farrow in 1996. A Chattanooga based company, IHP develops healthcare related and commercial real estate and owns a portfolio of 14 quality assisted living facilities in five southern states. In addition, IHP has developed Greenbriar Cove, a master-planned retirement community located in Collegedale.

With a knowledge and sensitivity to senior-based services, IHP utilizes market research, architectural design features, project management and other development resources to provide a unique environment that fosters security and comfort for seniors. In addition to freestanding assisted living facilities, IHP develops services for specialized Alzheimer's programs.

For more information about IHP, Morning Pointe or The Lantern, please call Independent Healthcare Properties at 238-5330.