News

Bluestem Communities welcomes new leader to elevate dining

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Bluestem Communities has welcomed new leadership to its executive team with the appointment of Jacob Kerrigan as Vice President of Dining Operations.

In the newly created role, Kerrigan will provide strategic oversight and supervision for Bluestem Communities Dining Services at each of its five locations that serve residents and participants and three public on-campus restaurants.

“The experience Jacob brings to this role is exciting for the organization,” said Ryan Goering, Bluestem Communities Chief Operating Officer. “He has a strong background in food service management, restaurant operations, staff management, food purchasing, health care dining operations and menu planning that will guide the goal of synchronizing dining operations Bluestem-wide.”

Bluestem Communities is a non-profit organization that serves seniors through various living options, care settings and care-centered services. Campuses include the life plan communities of The Cedars in McPherson, Kidron Bethel Village in North Newton and Schowalter Villa in Hesston, which offer independent living, assisted living and health care settings. It also offers Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in McPherson and Hutchinson, which provides comprehensive care from one source for older adults who want to remain living in their own homes. In addition to in-house dining services at each location, Bluestem also has three public restaurants – Hesston Bakery and Cafe, Water’s Edge Restaurant & Catering and The Local Table.

Kerrigan has extensive experience in the food service industry, including as a chef in restaurants and senior living communities, and most recently as Vice President of Culinary Operations for NEXDINE Hospitality, a privately-owned culinary contractor for senior living and corporate dining services. He holds a license as a SERV Safe Manager.

“I have been in food service in some capacity for most of my professional life,” said Kerrigan. “I particularly love senior living – the interactions with residents and connections made. There is opportunity to elevate dining services across Bluestem Communities, and I’m looking forward to that journey.”