Who Will Speak for Me? Webinar on Planning for the Future Without Children, April 8
Who Will Speak for Me? Webinar on Planning for the Future Without Children, April 8
At Heron’s Key, our leadership team is the driving force behind the exceptional experiences our residents enjoy every day. Guided by the Heron’s Key Board of Directors, the Emerald Communities Executive Team, and supported by our dedicated on-site leaders, they bring a wealth of expertise, compassion, and vision to everything we do.
Together, they uphold the highest standards of service while anticipating and exceeding resident expectations, creating a welcoming, vibrant, and well-managed community where each person can thrive today and for years to come.
To learn more about our governing board and the Emerald Communities leadership team, please click here
Executive Director
Human Resources Director
Director of Resident Services
Director of Sales & Marketing
Health Services Administrator
Director of Facilities
General Manager of Dining
Director of Nursing
Heron’s Key is a proud member of Emerald Communities. Each day at Emerald Communities, we strive to create communities that exceed the wants and needs of older adults—both today and well into the future. This singular focus guides us in every aspect of our organization.
A community designed for seniors to thrive
We provide a welcoming and supportive community where seniors can live with purpose and thrive.
Part of the leadership team at Heron’s Key, Denise comes with 20+ years’ experience in Human Resources, specifically in Senior Living. Denise holds certifications from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Denise also participated in the LeadingAge WA Leadership Institute and continues to support HR initiatives with LeadingAge WA.
Denise grew up in Gig Harbor and had the privilege of seeing Heron’s Key transform from the ground up and knows what a great addition our community has been to the Gig Harbor area.
Outside of work, Denise enjoys camping with her family, hiking, boating, and working in the yard.
With more than 30 years of experience in the senior living industry, Lisa Meinecke brings a deep well of knowledge and a compassionate, resident-centered approach to her role as Resident Services Director at Heron’s Key. Her career includes leadership positions across social work, sales and marketing, executive management, and resident services, giving her a well-rounded perspective on supporting older adults and their families.
Lisa holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity University and earned her Nursing Home Administrator license in 2015. A Seattle native, she now lives in the Tacoma area with her husband of 37 years, where they raised their two children.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys hiking, running, and traveling—pursuits that reflect her energetic spirit and genuine curiosity about the world. She is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, supportive, and enriching community for residents of Heron’s Key, guided by her lifelong passion for helping older adults thrive.
Lisa joined the Heron’s Key leadership team in September 2024.
McKenna Leehan serves as Director of Sales and Marketing at Heron’s Key, bringing more than two decades of sales experience to the leadership team. Since joining the community in March 2016 during its earliest development phases, she has played a key role in helping residents and their families confidently navigate the transition to a Life Plan Community.
One of the most rewarding parts of McKenna’s journey has been witnessing Heron’s Key grow from a construction site into a thriving, vibrant, and stable community. She finds daily joy in seeing the vision of Heron’s Key come to life through the active and engaged lives of its residents.
In 2026, McKenna is participating in the LeadingAge WA Leadership Institute, a program designed to strengthen and elevate leaders across the aging services field by building on their natural strengths and leadership potential.
Outside of work, McKenna enjoys exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories with her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Ravenna.
Karen brings more than 25 years of experience in senior living and healthcare administration to her role at Heron’s Key. As Health Services Administrator, she oversees Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing services with a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate, person-centered care.
Under Karen’s leadership, Heron’s Key has achieved multiple citation-free surveys, earned a 5-star rating through Medicare.gov, and in 2026 was named a “Best Nursing Home” by U.S. News & World Report, earning High Performing ratings in both Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care.
Karen holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. She is passionate about fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Outside of work, Karen is an avid LEGO enthusiast and collector, enjoying the creativity and focus that come with each build.
George brings over 20 years of leadership experience, with a strong background in customer service, sales, and consulting. His practical approach and steady leadership allow him to tackle projects of any size while keeping the needs of residents and team members front and center.
He holds a degree in Sociology, with an emphasis in Law and Social Control, from Washington State University and is currently pursuing a second degree in Accounting as part of his path toward earning an MBA.
When he’s not working, George enjoys spending time with his wife, Marissa, and their two dogs, Bruce and Bentley, and sometimes the cat, Carl. He also enjoys working on house projects, reading, and snowboarding.
As the Food & Beverage General Manager at Heron’s Key since its opening in 2017, Kristina oversees all dining outlets across campus, ensuring exceptional service and memorable experiences for our residents and guests. With more than 20 years in the restaurant industry—from luxury hotels and large corporate operations to fine dining— she brings a deep passion for hospitality and a commitment to excellence.
In 2026, Kristina is participating in the LeadingAge WA Leadership Institute, a program designed to strengthen and elevate leaders across the aging services field by building on their natural strengths and leadership potential.
Outside of work, she is an experienced cook who loves creating meals and confections for her family and friends. Life is an adventure with her three active children, and much of her time is spent traveling the country and world as they compete in BMX racing and many other sports.
Pam brings extensive clinical leadership experience to Heron’s Key, having served in multiple Director of Nursing roles across skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and memory care settings. She has led communities both as a Director and as a Regional Director, guiding teams through complex clinical operations with a strong focus on quality outcomes and resident-centered care.
Her expertise includes Infection Control, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), regulatory compliance, and staff education. Pam holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where residents feel respected, supported, and well cared for. She is passionate about working with older adults and empowering clinical teams to deliver safe, compassionate, high-quality care.
Outside of work, Pam enjoys spending time with family, hiking, gardening, and travel.