LCS has announced the recipients of its inaugural LCS Sales Operations Leadership Awards and its bi-annual SalesFIRST™ Awards, a company imperative designed to elevate a sales-forward culture through experiences and delivery of industry-leading performance. The awards were presented during the 2025 LCS Sales Conference, held February 5-7 in Orlando, Florida.

“Each of these individuals exemplifies the LCS sales culture, which is the driving force behind our company’s success, our communities’ growth, and—most importantly—the exceptional experiences we deliver to the residents we serve,” said Jim Pusateri, Chief Sales Officer. “Throughout these awards are stories of leadership, commitment, service, and innovation – I am proud to honor their contributions with these awards.”

LCS Sales Operations Leadership Award 
This award recognizes an Executive Director and Administrator who inspire teams, foster a high-performance sales culture, and drive occupancy growth within their communities. The inaugural award winners were:

• Michelle Bettingole, ExecutiveDirector, Sedgebrook
  Michelle has been an inspiring, transformational leader elevating and improving the resident experience and operational performance of her community. She has grown whole house occupancy, net sales, improved the reputation score, and helped the community land local and national awards. Michelle collaborates extensively with the sales and marketing team, meets with countless perspective residents and families, and is known for her handwritten notes that adds a personal touch. 
  
• Beth VanDerWal, Administrator, The Springs at Monarch Landing
  Beth joined Monarch Landing in 2014 and was promoted to Administrator in 2021. She has held multiple roles and established herself as a consistent, high-performing leader who has been instrumental in the performance and success of the community. Beyond all her accomplishments, she passionately cares and serves her residents, their families and her team and is a sales and operations leader role model.

SalesFIRST Awards
These awards are designed to recognize sales excellence across the company in the areas of Focus, Invest, Responsibility, Systems, and Transparency. Honorees in each category include:

• Focus: Michelle Bettingole, ExecutiveDirector, Sedgebrook
  Michelle’s hands-on leadership, strategic focus, and collaboration with the sales and marketing team have led to record-breaking achievements at her community, including a 4.6% increase in whole-house occupancy, the highest Independent Living occupancy growth in a year, all-time high reputation score, and record-setting net sales and closings.
  
• Invest: Jordan Morrow, Executive Director, Greenwood Village South
  Jordan’s dedication to leadership development and team investment has equipped his leaders to navigate change effectively – especially important as his community embarks on a multi-million dollar expansion. His innovative approach to engaging and developing his leaders through a year-long program has been recognized by his team for it impact on culture, sales and development.
  
• Responsibility: Kristy Clemens, Project Manager, LCS Development
  Kristy played a critical role in the highly successful opening and rapid fill-up of Broadview at Purchase College, a new life plan community in New York. Her leadership contributed to Broadview reaching 90% occupancy in just seven months, with 133 closings in under 90 days—an unprecedented industry achievement.
  
• Systems: Brad Dougherty, Data Analytics, LCS  
  Brad has revolutionized the sales process by implementing cutting-edge machine-learning techniques in lead scoring that are now live in 90+ LCS communities. His predictive models enhance sales team efficiency, helping prioritize outreach, optimize follow-ups, and drive better engagement.
  
• Transparency: Susan Yadron, Regional Director of Clinical Services, LCS
  Susan’s commitment to follow-through has strengthened relationships with residents and families, turning challenges into opportunities for trust and retention. Susan has introduced best practices that have increased move-ins and revenue, and her collaboration with one owner group has driven higher occupancy and improved healthcare delivery.