Our Leadership
About Us
Our Leadership
Our team is dedicated to the quality and experience of our communities. Our executive and manager teams, along with individual boards, work together to maintain the success of each community. We strive to provide quality services, amenities, and staff so that our residents continue to live every day to the fullest.
Michael Silverman
President, Ovation Communities
As president, Michael sets the strategic vision and leadership for Jewish Home, Chai Point, and Kavod Terrace. He is responsible for fiscal, educational, operational, and quality assurance performance; board development; Pastoral and Kashrut; and stakeholder relationship building and retention.
Michael is a Jewish community professional with 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. He is joining Ovation Communities from Heritage Pointe, the only Jewish independent, assisted living, and memory care community in Orange County, California, where he has served as CEO since 2015.
Anthony Vaughns
Gary Stinson
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
Mike Aparo
DIRECTOR OF FOOD SERVICES
Matt Budde
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Rabbi Levi Emmer
DIRECTOR OF TRADITIONS & JEWISH ENRICHMENT
Rabbi Steven Adams
DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Jewish Home and Care Center / Kavod Terrace
Michael Silverman
Acting Administrator, Jewish Home & Care Center / Kavod Terrace
Kelly Wegmuller
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF NURSING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Jackie Contreras
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Kimberly Rosenau
DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT
Stephanie Edel
Scott Kwiatkowski
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Jacqueline Zephirin
Hon. Glenn Yamahiro, Chairperson Arleen Peltz, Vice Chairperson Charles “Chuck” Bley, Treasurer Ken Stein, Secretary Jay Frank, Immediate Past Chairperson Alan Borsuk Yaakov Cohen Jay Frank Dr. Philip Himmelfarb William Mayer Bruce Paler Beth Peterman Bob Rudman Yonina “Yoni” Schlussel Mark Ship
Joshua Gurock
Administrator, Chai Point
Joshua Gurock serves as the Administrator of Chai Point, where he oversees the daily operations of the community with a focus on ensuring residents receive the highest level of care and service. Passionate, caring, and known for his great sense of humor, Josh is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and the staff. He maintains an open-door policy and believes that genuine connection and communication are at the heart of exceptional senior living.
With over 15 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Josh has held key roles including Nursing Home Administrator and, most recently, Regional Director for a network of assisted living facilities. His hands-on leadership style and dedication to excellence help make Chai Point not just a residence, but a true community.
Cheryl Buckman
DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES
Jessica Cox
DIRECTOR OF LIFE ENRICHMENT
Gedaliah Lieberman
Joshua Kaplan
SALES & ADMISSIONS MANAGER
Diane Langholff
MANAGER OF ENIVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Beverly Gruber, Chairperson Todd Brachman, Treasurer Shantel Bacchus, Secretary Howard Loeb, z”l, Immediate Past Chairperson Yaakov Cohen Emmy Ganos Sara Hoffman Dr. Rea Katz Dr. Michael Levin Laurie Moeckler Rittberg Leigh Wallace Tabak James “Jamie” Zussman
Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation
Chad Tessmer
President, Jewish Home & Care Center Foundation
Chad Tessmer is President of the Jewish Home & Care Center Foundation, where he leads efforts to advance the Foundation’s mission of supporting Ovation Communities. In this role, he oversees fundraising initiatives in collaboration with Ovation leadership, manages the Foundation’s invested assets, and guides the distribution of grants that enhance programs and services across the Jewish Home, Chai Point, and Kavod Terrace.
With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and marketing, Chad brings extensive expertise and a collaborative approach to his work. He previously served as Executive Director of the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center and MYAC Foundation and as Chief Marketing Officer at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.
“It is a privilege to be joining the team of leaders supporting the Jewish Home & Care Center Foundation,” said Chad. “I am eager to build upon the strength of generations of leadership, and to apply my skills to grow awareness, resources, and capacity for dignified care in my home community.”
Rick Strait, Chairperson Rob Irwin, Vice Chairperson Arleen Peltz, Vice Chairperson Bill Komisar, Treasurer Michael Altman, Secretary Chad Tessmer, President Allan Carneol Yaakov Cohen Jay Frank Beverly Gruber Mark Miller Bruce Paler Jason Steigman Hon. Glenn Yamahiro
Our History
Caring for seniors in the Milwaukee area since the first Jewish Home came about in 1906. Read our proud and long history.
Our Communities
From independent living to skilled nursing and all levels of care in between, Ovation Communities helps every senior live every day to the fullest.
Our Foundation
Our not-for-profit 501(c)(3) proudly supports the mission of Ovation Communtiies as well as the community.
