Riddle Village is pleased to announce some exciting changes coming to our executive team! Bob Bertolette, the Riddle Village President for over 25 years, is getting ready for a hard-earned retirement. Kim Roguszewski, our current Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, will be stepping into the well-deserved role of Chief Executive Officer.
While Bob has been with Riddle Village for over 25 years, his time in the retirement living industry has spanned over 44 years. His expertise in the industry has guided our community in remaining a reputable home to many residents. Riddle Village’s ability to remain attractive to the consumer, both residents and prospective residents, over the years is one of Bob’s proudest accomplishments from his time here.
“While financial stability and resident satisfaction are important strategic initiatives, it cannot happen without an ongoing commitment to repositioning our amenities and maintaining or improving our infrastructure,” Bob said. “Our success is measured by our marketing outcomes, including strong occupancy rates.”
Under Bob’s leadership, Riddle Village has expanded greatly since opening in 1993. We have added two independent apartment buildings, a healthcare facility and then an expansion several years later. We have added amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, courtyard and so much more. Recently our restaurants have been updated and renovated to ensure our residents always have the best dining options. These renovations have been huge successes for Bob in terms of resident satisfaction and improving our community.
“I am very proud of our new restaurant venues offering multiple choices to our residents and their guests,” Bob said. “Other successes include keeping our reputation strong, the addition to Monticello, and maintaining an attractive environment.”
When looking back at all the highlights of Bob’s time here, it’s hard not to wonder what it is about Riddle Village he will miss the most. As for that, his answer is simple.
“The people: both residents and associates,” he said. “The most important lesson I learned during my career is that the CEO needs to be the mayor of the community, meaning being among the people. Our culture has always been “smile, say hello, and everything else follows,” but it must start from the top in order to be successful.”
With Bob’s retirement comes a new CEO for our community, and we are all excited to have found that leadership in someone who is already well-known and respected at Riddle Village. Kim Roguszewski has held many different titles over the last 26 years and has taken on more responsibilities as the years have passed. Kim started at Riddle Village as a Staff Accountant, then became the Assistant Director of Accounting in 1996, the Director of Accounting in 1997, the CFO in 2000 and finally the Executive Vice President in 2019. Several people were interviewed for the new CEO position, but it was an easy decision for a special Board Committee, which included several residents, to select Kim, as it was a unanimous decision. Not only is this committee and the entire community excited about this new leadership, but Kim herself is also looking forward to what the future holds at Riddle Village.
“I have been involved in the growth of Riddle Village for a long time and as our industry changes, we need to make sure we are changing along with it,” Kim said. “That will keep Riddle Village strong in every aspect. Our residents deserve the very best, and I intend to help lead our team to provide just that. We will never be everything to everyone and that is ok. However, I am committed to working every day to make sure we are the best, our residents are always proud to say they are part of our community, and our staff know that they are part of a team that is respected, cared for, and supported.”
When asked if there is anything she wishes to communicate to our community about stepping into this new role, Kim talks of being extremely gracious and confident in the future of Riddle Village and her role here:
“When I walked into Riddle Village 26 years ago as a relatively new college graduate, I could never have imagined I would someday be named the CEO. Today, I cannot imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else. I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to continue my career right where it started in a place, I consider my second home. After many years of working under Bob Bertolette, our current CEO, and being mentored by some truly amazing individuals, I am confident that I can help continue to make Riddle Village a unique, strong organization. I look forward to spending more time with residents and staff, listening to their opinions, sharing in their lives, and helping them in any way I can. I want to thank each of you that have reached out to congratulate me, gave me a reassuring hug, shared your invaluable advice and your warmth and kindness. I will do everything in my power to make you proud.
Now, as we look to the future at Riddle Village, we are very confident that our community will continue to thrive and be a luxurious and comfortable home to our residents. In closing, Bob wished to extend his gratitude to the entire community, as well as some advice that helped him over the years.
“I am very pleased and honored to leave Riddle Village in the very capable hands of Kim Roguszewski, Executive VP, as she will begin her journey as our new President/CEO,” Bob said. “Thank you to the residents, family members, associates, and board members for the pleasure of serving and for leaving your footprints on my heart. My hope is I did the same in return. I leave you with this advice: Surround yourself with people who laugh and have a positive outlook on life. Your life will be more enjoyable, fulfilling, and memorable.”
We want to wish Kim good luck in her new role at Riddle Village and extend our greatest appreciation to Bob for all he has done for us as he enters his well-deserved retirement. Riddle Village would not be the community it is today without either of you!