Jill Kreider’s journey to the senior living industry is a story of finding purpose and passion in her career. After starting out in the ski industry as an accountant, working in a cubicle, Kreider found herself yearning for a more meaningful role.
Inspired by her late brother’s work at Children’s Hospital, where he shared stories of impactful patient and family interactions, Kreider decided to pursue a career in healthcare over 14 years ago. Her path led her to Azura where she joined as the second hire for a new skilled nursing facility in Lakewood, CO. With her accounting expertise, she played a crucial role in making the community a success, helping it achieve a record-breaking sale price in the skilled nursing industry after just two years.
During this time, she also assisted with the acquisition of a home health company. Her strategic contributions were pivotal in this success, and she later supported the acquisition of a memory care portfolio in Wisconsin. Kreider then went on to work in various roles in the company, grasping and embracing the commitment and dedication it took. Today, as the president of the company, she oversees the care of 500 residents across Wisconsin.
Under Kreider’s leadership, the organization has grown through strategic and new developments achieving over 500% revenue increase over the past decade and creating over 400 new jobs throughout Wisconsin over the last several years.
“She is driven, ambitious, and innovative in her thinking, and she has been able to help transform a struggling portfolio that was acquired of memory care communities and transform them and the Azura name into something that is to be proud of,” said her staff. “Her ability to lead a team and grow leaders from within through her support, hands-on approach and desire to create something special for those living with dementia has been admirable.”
Kreider’s innovative contributions to the field have been widely recognized. In 2024, she received the national memory care innovation award, underscoring her impact in advancing memory care practices. Additionally, she was honored with the true blue core value award by Azura for embodying the company’s core values.
“I love being able to empower my team members around me, focusing on the ability to grow within the organization,” said Kreider. “I have successfully been able to grow and retain the regional team at Azura from within, focusing on their career goals and longevity within the company, knowing that the best knowledge comes from being in a position they are now overseeing.”