The Carillon Assisted Living Team

Karen E. Moriarty, President & CEO

Ms. Moriarty founded Carillon Assisted Living as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1996. Her leadership has taken Carillon from a fledgling start-up to the most highly regarded assisted living provider in North Carolina. In addition to overseeing Carillon’s growing portfolio and operations, Moriarty has taken a lead role in advocating for North Carolina seniors’ health and living needs at the state and federal level. Moriarty holds a master’s degree from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Kenneth C. Kirkham, Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Kirkham joined the company in 1998 as Chief Financial Officer. He was both the CFO and COO until 2006 when, based on the company’s growth needs, he transitioned to his current role as Chief Operating Officer. A certified public accountant, Kirkham has extensive financial and operational expertise. He started his career with KPMG and later ran entrepreneurial ventures before embarking on his current role as a corporate healthcare executive. Kirkham has spent his career setting and exceeding the highest industry standards. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pace University.

Mary Ann Drummond, RN, Vice President of Operations

Ms. Drummond manages the day-to-day operations of all Carillon communities. She works closely with each Executive Director to ensure that the community is in compliance with all company policies and state regulations. She is also the primary liaison between Carillon and all regulating agencies. Prior to joining the Carillon team in January 2001, Drummond was the Chief Operating Officer / Administrator for HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Charleston, SC.

James Kropp, Chief Financial Officer

Mr. James Kropp has served as chief financial officer since January 2012. Kropp brings to Carillon two decades of expertise leading financial operations for biotechnology, retail and energy corporations. Prior to joining Carillon, Kropp served as director of finance for Biomerieux, a global manufacturer of diagnostic medical devices. He began his career as a certified public accountant shortly after graduating from the University of North Carolina with a master’s in business administration.

Robert Steenson, Vice President of Development

Mr. Steenson manages all aspects of the development of Carillon communities, from market analysis to real estate acquisition to construction. He has been an integral part of Carillon’s growth and development since 1998. Previously, he served as senior vice president at Wind River Environmental, formerly the nation’s largest non-hazardous liquid waste company. Steenson’s development expertise spans the health and humans services, environmental and retail industries.

J. Keith Ensey, Regional Director of Operations

Mr. Ensey oversees operations for Carillon Assisted Living communities located in Asheboro, Cramerton, Hendersonville, Shelby, Newton, and Indian Trial. He ensures Carillon’s high standards are met through a multi-faceted, goal-oriented program of operational management. Prior to joining Carillon in 2009, Ensey served as a division vice president for a nonprofit health and human services provider. An Alabama native, Ensey once served as a staff member to U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from the University of Alabama.

Todd Key, Regional Director of Operations

Mr. Key oversees operations for Carillon Assisted Living communities located in Fayetteville, Harrisburg, Lincolnton, Salisbury and Southport. Prior to joining Carillon in 2011, Key oversaw operations for ResCare, a state-supported human services provider with 43 locations in North Carolina. Key, a native of North Carolina’s piedmont region, has more than 20 years of expertise in North Carolina’s healthcare arena. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Jennifer Moore, Regional Director of Operations

Ms. Moore oversees operations for Carillon Assisted Living communities located in Fuquay-Varina, Hillsborough and Knightdale. She joined Carillon in 2012 after a successful 17-year stint as a healthcare operations manager in New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas, and with more than a decade of expertise in senior living. Moore’s systematic and strategic approach to  operational development, business management and sales support has helped drive improvements in customer satisfaction, census and revenue throughout her career. She earned her master’s degree from Syracuse University.

Richard Harris, Senior Regional Director of Marketing

Mr. Harris oversees sales and marketing responsibilities for Carillon communities in the piedmont and eastern region. He directs and monitors census-generating activities with the goal of keeping the communities in his region bustling, lively and engaging places to call home. Harris, who earned a master’s of public affairs from Indiana University, has worked in the assisted living profession for more than a decade.

Janie Benton, RN, Director of Clinical Services

Ms. Benton oversees clinical management for all Carillon communities. Her expertise helps ensure the high standard of care that Carillon is known for and that residents and their families rely upon. Benton has extensive experience in the field of senior health and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings in her career, including acute care and rehabilitation.

Bill Furnas, Regional Director of Dining Services

Mr. Furnas is committed to offering Carillon residents a top-notch dining experience. A certified executive chef with the American Culinary Federation, Furnas has owned and operated several restaurants throughout his extensive culinary career. He knows the senior living market well, having honed his expertise in the field for more than a decade before joining Carillon Assisted Living in 2012. Furnas holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science and received his ServSafe certification from the National Restaurant Association.

Kerry Perkins, Director of Construction

Mr. Perkins manages all construction projects for Carillon Assisted Living, ensuring that each community is built to the company’s exacting standards and meet all state codes. Perkins holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Maine. Prior to joining Carillon, he spent 15 years managing major construction projects for a national supermarket chain. He was a general contractor for Carillon before joining the team as Director of Construction in 2007.

James Smith, Senior Regional Director of Facility Maintenance

Mr. Smith keeps Carillon communities in top-notch condition. He oversees facilities maintenance for all Carillon communities, managing a team of professionals who work to keep each building up to par and running smoothly. Smith has extensive expertise in long-term care facility maintenance, along with certifications in HVAC, fire sprinkler maintenance, industrial and commercial maintenance.

Michelle Taylor, Director of Communications and Media

Ms. Taylor oversees all corporate and marketing communication functions for Carillon. She elevates Carillon’s brand and business through a coordinated multimedia program that includes advertising, public relations and social media. A former journalist and non-profit communication manager, Taylor has led award-winning communication programs for senior living providers in California and Ohio.