Morning Pointe Senior Living and Independent Healthcare Properties announced the addition of Audra Hopkins as executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation.

An Ooltewah native, Ms. Hopkins will spearhead the nonprofit arm of the Ooltewah-based senior healthcare services company, which provides caregiver support, sponsors educational awareness events, and awards scholarships to outstanding students pursuing degrees in geriatric nursing. She joins the Morning Pointe home office team from Pinnacle Financial Partners, where she helped orchestrate the local non-profit outreach program, organized and led associate outreach and engagement initiatives, and led the workplace culture committee, among other duties. Prior to her work with Pinnacle, Ms. Hopkins also held positions with BB&T and the Tennessee Valley Credit Union.

“Audra brings a knowledge of non-profits, compassion, and positive energy to the Morning Pointe Foundation,” said Greg A. Vital, president and co-founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living. “She is just the leader we need as we continue to expand our outreach to caregivers, nurses, and educational and senior living partners. We are very excited for her to join our team.”

A graduate of Bryan College, Ms. Hopkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a marketing specialization. She brings nearly 10 years of business experience to her role at the Morning Pointe Foundation and says that she looks forward to supporting caregivers and raising public awareness about important senior healthcare issues.

“Caregivers, both paid and unpaid, are the true heroes of senior healthcare, especially when Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is involved. Unfortunately, these brave and resilient caregivers often go unrecognized. I am honored to be joining an organization whose mission is to lift up and provide resources to these deserving individuals,” Ms. Hopkins said.

Each year, the Morning Pointe Foundation awards nine scholarships to geriatric nursing students attending educational partner institutions in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. Plans are in the works for additional scholarships in Knoxville and Tullahoma, Tn. in 2019.

Currently, Ms. Hopkins resides in Ooltewah with her husband, Matt, and their three dogs and cat. She is a proud aunt and enjoys gardening, spending time with her loved ones, and visiting the beach.

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