About Us

Senior Management

Senior Management

Orion H. Bell IV, MBA

President and Chief Executive Officer

Contact: contactme@benrose.org | (216) 791-8000

Orion Bell is President and CEO of Benjamin Rose. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience in not-for-profit management and services for older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. His work includes a focus on collaboration between health care providers and community service organizations to address social determinants of health, quality of care and health outcomes.

Orion Bell is President and CEO of Benjamin Rose. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience in not-for-profit management and services for older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers. His work includes a focus on collaboration between health care providers and community service organizations to address social determinants of health, quality of care and health outcomes.  

Orion previously served as President and CEO of CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, the Area Agency on Aging in Indianapolis, Indiana. This followed a career with the American Red Cross in a variety of leadership roles. Bell earned both Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Louisville.    

David M. Bass, PhD

Senior Vice President, Research and Education

Contact: researchandeducation@benrose.org | (216) 373-1664 | Download CV (PDF)

Dr. David Bass is Senior Vice President of Research and Education at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. He has led over 80 funded research projects on topics such as: coping with chronic illness; family caregiving; quality of care and services; dementia and dementia care; and use and impact of formal services and informal support. Results of these investigations have been widely published in scientific and clinical journals, such as the Journal of the American Geriatric Society and The Gerontologist. Results also have been used to develop innovative programs for older adults and their family members, such as BRI Care Consultation™, which has been delivered by over 60 licensed service organizations across the US.

Dr. David Bass is Senior Vice President of Research and Education at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. He has led over 80 funded research projects on topics such as: coping with chronic illness; family caregiving; quality of care and services; dementia and dementia care; and use and impact of formal services and informal support. Results of these investigations have been widely published in scientific and clinical journals, such as the Journal of the American Geriatric Society and The Gerontologist. Results also have been used to develop innovative programs for older adults and their family members, such as BRI Care Consultation™, which has been delivered by over 60 licensed service organizations across the US.

His current research focuses on development, testing and implementation of evidence-based programs, with a special emphasis on care for persons with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and their family caregivers, and caregiving among diverse populations. In accord with the mission of Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, a consistent theme of Dr. Bass’ work is the translation of research into practical applications that enhance the wellness of, and quality of care for, older adults and their family members. Dr. Bass received his doctoral degree in Sociology from the University of Akron and Kent State University in 1985.

Audra Bennett

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Contact: donate@benrose.org | (216) 373-1608

Audra Kessler Bennett is the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Benjamin Rose, and is responsible for organizational strategy and policy relating to marketing and fund development initiatives. She joined Benjamin Rose in 2021 with over 25 years of marketing and fund development experience. 

Audra Kessler Bennett is the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Benjamin Rose, and is responsible for organizational strategy and policy relating to marketing and fund development initiatives. She joined Benjamin Rose in 2021 with over 25 years of marketing and fund development experience. 

Prior to joining Benjamin rose, Bennett served as Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development for Neighborhood Family Practice, a federally qualified health center with seven locations on Cleveland’s near west side. In addition, she has held progressively increasing roles of responsibility in business-to-business, consumer and non-profit environments with experience in health care, insurance, retail, vision services, digital and trade publishing.

Bennett earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Ohio University. 
 

Janice Brennan, CPA

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Contact: contactme@benrose.org | 216-373-1602

Janice Brennan, CPA, is a Senior Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO),at Benjamin Rose. In this role she oversees all finance, accounting and payroll operations for Benjamin Rose and its sub brands. She joined Benjamin Rose in January, 2020. Brennan has over 15 years of progressive experience in not-for-profit accounting, which includes knowledge and oversight in areas comprising audit; 990 and compliance reporting; investment accounting; budgets and forecasts; as well as strategic financial planning. 

Janice Brennan, CPA, is a Senior Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO),at Benjamin Rose. In this role she oversees all finance, accounting and payroll operations for Benjamin Rose and its sub brands. She joined Benjamin Rose in January, 2020. Brennan has over 15 years of progressive experience in not-for-profit accounting, which includes knowledge and oversight in areas comprising audit; 990 and compliance reporting; investment accounting; budgets and forecasts; as well as strategic financial planning.

Prior to joining Benjamin Rose, Brennan was the Controller for The Cleveland Orchestra from 2017 to 2019. She also served as CFO of the Barberton Community Foundation from 2014 to 2019 after completing close to 9 years in public accounting with Brockman Coats Gedelian & Company (now Sikich), where she had a significant focus on not-for-profit entities. 

Brennan was active in the Barberton community while working at the Foundation, and served as Treasurer of Neighborhood Conservation Services of Barberton and was a member the Rotary Club. She has also served as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties, holding positions of Vice President, Treasurer and chair of various fundraising endeavors. Additionally, she served as a finance committee volunteer with the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club.

Brennan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Kent State University before becoming licensed as a CPA. She is an active member of the Ohio Society of CPA’s.

Mary Marita, LNHA, MHSA

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Contact: contactme@benrose.org | (216) 373-1807

Mary Marita is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Benjamin Rose, managing both Benjamin Rose Property LLC and Benjamin Rose's Home and Community Based Services. She has more than 22 years of executive leadership and administrative experience in the field of aging including long-term care and community-based organizations.

Mary Marita is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Benjamin Rose, managing both Benjamin Rose Property LLC and Benjamin Rose's Home and Community Based Services. She has more than 22 years of executive leadership and administrative experience in the field of aging including long-term care and community-based organizations.

She joined Benjamin Rose in 1999 as the Assistant Administrator of Kethley House, the organization's former 184-bed nursing facility, and was named Executive Administrator in 2003. Since 2006, Marita has been responsible for property management and campus development of the organization's subsidiary, Benjamin Rose Property LLC. In 2008 Marita was responsible for the award of a $4.3 million grant under HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program to rehabilitate 36 units of housing. In 2011, she oversaw the renovation of these 36 one-bedroom units added to Margaret Wagner Apartments, the organization's affordable senior housing located in Cleveland Heights. In 2012, she was instrumental in negotiating the sale of the 144,000-square-foot Kethley House to Kindred Healthcare for $17.4 million. The following year, she led the development and construction of the organization's 31,000-square-foot, $11.4 million headquarters in Cleveland. Most recently in 2014, she assumed her current position, overseeing the organization's home- and community-based services, which include behavioral health services, social work, senior companions, WeCare...Because You Do, as well as a home-delivered meal program and senior centers locations. In 2015, Marita oversaw and managed the $1.25 million sale of 1.5 acres of campus property to Choice One Development for future development by Fresenius Medical Care.

Marita began her career in the field of aging in Northeast Ohio as an Assistant Administrator with a for-profit long-term-care provider. She earned a master's degree in health services administration from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science in business administration in management from John Carroll University. She has been a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the state of Ohio since 1998.

In 2012, Marita was recognized by Crain's Cleveland Business in the 40 Under 40 awards. In 2014, she was honored as a Woman of Professional Excellence at the YWCA Women of Achievement Awards. She is a member of the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2014 and a 2015 graduate of the American Society on Aging Leadership Institute. Marita currently serves on the Dance Alliance of Beck Center, and recently served on the Greater Shaker Square Area Development Corporation.

Michael Billnitzer, SHRM-SCP

Executive Director of ESOP, Vice President at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging

Contact: contactme@benrose.org | (216) 373-1854

Michael Billnitzer is the Executive Director of Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), where he oversees the strategic development, operations and implementation of ESOP’s programs. He also serves as a Vice President at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. Billnitzer has 25 years of human resources and organizational development (OD) experience, and a passion for strategic planning, performance management and leadership development. His recently led projects at ESOP include: Board Transformation and Development (2014); Executive Director Search and Transition Process (2013); Strategic Planning Implementation (2011); and HR and OD Transformation (2010).

Michael Billnitzer is the Executive Director of Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), where he oversees the strategic development, operations and implementation of ESOP’s programs. He also serves as a Vice President at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging.

Billnitzer has 25 years of human resources and organizational development (OD) experience, and a passion for strategic planning, performance management and leadership development. His recently led projects at ESOP include: Board Transformation and Development (2014); Executive Director Search and Transition Process (2013); Strategic Planning Implementation (2011); and HR and OD Transformation (2010).

Billnitzer has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Toledo with additional studies at Harvard University, is a certified trainer of Blanchard's "Situational Leadership" and a 2014 graduate of the Social Transformation Project's "The Art of Transformational Consulting." He is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP), and currently serves on the Steering Committee for The Cleveland Foundation’s HR Collaborative for Non-Profit organizations. Billnitzer’s clients and employers have ranged from Fortune 500 companies to non-profits.

Dabney K. Conwell, MSSA, LSW

Executive Director of the Rose Centers for Aging Well, Vice President at Benjamin Rose

Contact: RCAW@benrose.org | (216) 373-1954

Dabney K. Conwell is Executive Director of the Rose Centers for Aging Well and Vice President at Benjamin Rose. She joined Benjamin Rose in 2015. Conwell has committed her career to working with underrepresented populations developing, implementing, supervising and evaluating social service programs. Prior to joining the Benjamin Rose senior management team, she served as Executive Director of the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center. She was also previously Project Coordinator of the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County, and later became a national trainer and program supervisor for FAST in Madison, Wisconsin. She has also served as a social worker with the East Cleveland City School District and Guidestone. Conwell’s professional passion includes addressing issues of inequity for marginalized populations.

Dabney K. Conwell is Executive Director of the Rose Centers for Aging Well and Vice President at Benjamin Rose. She joined Benjamin Rose in 2015.

Conwell has committed her career to working with underrepresented populations developing, implementing, supervising and evaluating social service programs. Prior to joining the Benjamin Rose senior management team, she served as Executive Director of the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center. She was also previously Project Coordinator of the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County, and later became a national trainer and program supervisor for FAST in Madison, Wisconsin. She has also served as a social worker with the East Cleveland City School District and Guidestone. Conwell’s professional passion includes addressing issues of inequity for marginalized populations.

She currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU).

Conwell received her Master of Social Service Administration degree at Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Edinboro University. Conwell completed the YWCA Women’s Momentum Leadership Program in 2015. Ms. Conwell is an inaugural Fellow with the Sisters of Charity Innovation Mission, developing the first Food is Medicine process in Cuyahoga County; she is also the recipient of the CWRU Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. She is a National Board of Governor for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and co-chair of the local HRC Steering Committee.

Janet Schneider, MLRHR

Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Compliance Officer

Contact: employment@benrose.org | (216)373-1632

Janet Schneider is the Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Compliance Officer at Benjamin Rose, and is responsible for all human resources functions including compensation and benefits; recruitment and selection; employee relations; and training and development. She joined Benjamin Rose in 2019 with over 20 years of non-profit management experience.

Janet Schneider is the Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Compliance Officer at Benjamin Rose, and is responsible for all human resources functions including compensation and benefits; recruitment and selection; employee relations; and training and development. She joined Benjamin Rose in 2019 with over 20 years of non-profit management experience. 

Prior to joining Benjamin Rose, Schneider served as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Compliance for a federally qualified health center with seven locations near Cleveland’s west side. In addition, she held various leadership positions at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, including Operations Director for the Y-Haven Branch, New Business Development Director and Executive Director of Child Care Services.

Schneider earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Akron, and a Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources degree from Cleveland State University.

Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging Board of Directors

Benjamin Rose Board of Directors

Sarah M. Dimling
Chair

Belva Denmark Tibbs
Vice Chair

Nancy A. Adams
Past Chair

Connie Hill-Johnson
Secretary

Annapurna Valluri, PhD
Treasurer

Nancy Barnes

Michelle Bentzien-Purrington

Kathryn Bryan, PhD

Teresa Dews, MD

Diane Downing

Cynthia H. Dunn

Patricia R. Frutig

Amy Scott Gilchrist

Gina K. Gunning

Katherine B. Hollingsworth

Yvette M. Ittu

Kathryn Kaesberg

Hermine Krasny

Denise M. Kresevic, PhD

Lori A. Lozier

Jennifer I. Markworth

Eileen McConville

Sue Omori

Elizabeth F. Stueber

Tiffinae Ware

 

 

 

Benjamin Rose Property Subsidiary Board

Benjamin Rose Property Subsidiary Board

Lori A. Lozier
Chair

Patricia R. Frutig

Amy Scott Gilchrist

Yvette Ittu

Todd Robie

Robert V. Secrist

 

Eldercare Services Institute Subsidiary Board

Eldercare Services Institute Subsidiary Board

Amy Scott Gilchrist
Chair

Michelle Bentzien-Purrington

Belva Denmark Tibbs

Cynthia H. Dunn

Denise M. Kresevic, PhD

Siyue Xu

ESOP Subsidiary Board

ESOP Subsidiary Board

Eileen McConville
Chair

Nancy Barnes

Kari Balog Coniglio

Carlos Chavez

Katherine B. Hollingsworth

John Farmer

Eric Jensen

Jacques McKee

Jennifer Robinson

Andy Smith

Tiffinae Ware

Rose Centers for Aging Well Subsidiary Board

Rose Centers for Aging Well Subsidiary Board

Jennifer Markworth
Co-Chair

Carol Dayton

Teresa Dews, MD

Cynthia H. Dunn

Connie Hill-Johnson

Frank S. Novak

Sue Omori

John Orlando

Chantel Wilcox

Councilman Michael D. Polensek
Ex-Officio

Finance Committee

Finance Committee

Annapurna Valluri, PhD
Chair

Nancy A. Adams

Cynthia H. Dunn

Hermine Krasny

Governance Committee

Governance Committee

Katherine B. Hollingsworth
Chair

Nancy A. Adams

Belva Denmark Tibbs

Diane Downing

Connie Hill-Johnson

Elizabeth F. Stueber

Institutional Advancement Committee

Institutional Advancement Committee

Kathryn Bryan, PhD
Chair

Kathryn Kaesberg

Sue Omori

Elizabeth F. Stueber

Investment Advisory Council

Investment Advisory Council

Annapurna Valluri, PhD
Chair

Nancy A. Adams

Jeffrey Consolo

Richard D'Amico

Cynthia H. Dunn

Kathryn Kaesberg

Hermine Krasny

Frank S. Novak

Carl J. Tippit

Corporate Compliance Committee

Corporate Compliance Committee

Nancy Barnes, JD

Patricia Frutig
 

Young Professional Council

Young Professional Council

Leonard Eiermann
Chair

Morgan Minyo
Vice Chair

Julie Hayes 
Secretary 

Joshua Akainda
Chair of Governance 

Jennifer Cosma
Chair of Fundraising 

Emily Spencer
Chair of Marketing 

Carlos Lewis-Miller 
Chair of Programming

 

 

George Aljoe

Aubrey Anderson

Brianne Briceland

Ashlee Cordell

Bethany Cox

Hue DeLuca

Heather Gansel

Claire Grant

Kevin Grissinger

Ashley Haas

Megan Huth

Samantha Karoglan

Tessa McQuillen

Ashley Morrissey

Sarah Rohland

Katie Schrader

Samantha Tuft

Cristiana Vespucci

Rebkkah Whelan

Siyue Xu

Learn more about our Young Professional Council