Calder Woods names new executive director

Nonprofit senior living community Calder Woods named Aaron Ortego its new executive director. Ortego will provide oversight and leadership to all levels of residences and health care for the continuing care community. His employment is effective immediately.

Ortego steps in for the previous executive director, David Ummel, who now serves as executive director of one of Calder Woods’ sister communities, Buckner Westminster Place in Longview, Texas. Both faith-based, nonprofit senior living communities are operated by Buckner Retirement Services.

“We already have an amazing team of leaders and caregivers at Calder Woods, so we wanted to be intentional about finding the right person who could come and immediately support them. Aaron is that leader. He has an impressive resume and is a natural motivator,” said Brian Robbins, vice president and COO of Buckner Retirement Services.

Prior to Calder Woods, Ortego served as CEO for Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana and Direct Care Inc. He has also worked as administrative director of nursing of psychiatric services for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, corporate director of nursing for Guarding Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and director of nursing for Pathway Management where he served at Grand Cove Nursing and Rehabilitation and Landmark of Lake Charles.

“The fact that Calder Woods is a faith-based senior living community is a big reason why I wanted to work here. Many communities may provide similar services for seniors, but I am a firm believer that the people make the difference. All the people associated with Calder Woods who I have met so far seem to be dedicated to a common mission of service,” said Ortego.

Ortego graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He holds certifications in wound care (WCON), dementia training, DON training, MDS training, and several other health care specialties. 

“I have been so fortunate to be able to assist many senior adults succeed in rehabilitation and reaching short and long-term goals. I have also been a part of building care plans that have provided positivity, purpose, and motivation that many people needed in their lives. These tasks have become a mission for me and so many of my experiences have provided rewarding moments that I will cherish forever,” said Ortego.

Located in Beaumont’s growing west end, Calder Woods is a 17-acre community providing a vibrant lifestyle where residents have everything they need – and want – at their fingertips. As Beaumont’s only faith-based, nonprofit Life Plan Community, Calder Woods offers a full continuum of care on site, so residents can have the peace of mind knowing their address can remain the same despite changing medical needs. Residents at Calder Woods have the opportunity to engage with like-minded friends and neighbors at various lifestyle programs, events and outings, as they exercise, laugh, dine, and join in fellowship each day. Visit BucknerCalderWoods.org to learn more.

About Buckner Retirement Services Inc.

Buckner Retirement Services is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living providers in Texas. Dedicated to Inspiring happiness®, BRS enhances the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. BRS is part of Buckner International, a faith-based ministry serving more than 350,000 people each year in Texas and six countries worldwide. Visit BucknerRetirement.org to learn more.