G1: Building AI-Ready Communities: Why Your Data Infrastructure Matters More Than Ever
Thursday, June 18 | 10:45 AM - 11:45 PM
Target Audience: Affordable Senior Housing; Assisted Living/Personal Care; Governance & Leadership; Home Care + HCBS; Operations
As artificial intelligence transforms senior living operations, the quality and accessibility of your data determines success or failure. This session explores why private data lakes are essential infrastructure for the AI age, how the Model Context Protocol enables secure AI integration, and how forward-thinking communities are leveraging centralized data for predictive analytics and resident insights. Learn practical strategies to build data foundations that protect privacy while unlocking AI’s transformative potential.
NAB/NCERS
Speaker Information
Chief Strategy Officer, K4Connect
Joe is a nationally respected leader in healthcare technology and aging services innovation, with a career focused on helping older adults live healthier, more connected, and more fulfilling lives. At K4Connect, he leads enterprise strategy and market development, driving the adoption of transformative technologies – including artificial intelligence – across senior living communities nationwide. Before joining K4Connect, Joe served as Vice President of Innovation at Cypress Living, where he led digital transformation and technology initiatives that empowered caregivers and improved resident experiences. He’s widely recognized for his thoughtful approach to bridging technology and human connection in aging services.
President & CEO, United Methodist Communities
Mark Lenhard was appointed President & CEO of United Methodist Communities (UMC), a faith-based nonprofit senior living provider serving NJ seniors and their families, in 2022. Prior to joining the UMC team, Mark served as President & CEO of The Wesleyan in Georgetown, Texas. Mark has held various volunteer leadership roles with local chambers of commerce, advisory boards, and industry groups such as Leading Age Texas. Additionally, he has been a panelist and presenter for LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware and LeadingAge National conferences. Mark has been a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) since 1996 and holds a Master of Science in Gerontology with a concentration in Management of Organizational Behavior and Public Policy from Baylor University.
Chief Information & Innovation Officer, Parker Health Group
