BOARD & STAFF
corporate leadership
Tom Nobel
Founder/Executive Chairman
Tom founded Baruch with the goal of providing permanent homes for seniors. He places a strong emphasis on providing excellent care not only for seniors’ physical well-being but also for their emotional and spiritual well-being.
After 19 years serving as the owner and CEO of Leisure Living Management, Tom shifted his full-time efforts to Baruch Senior Ministries in 2014. Prior to1996, Tom was the Executive Vice President of Hospice of Michigan (1994-1995) and Executive Director and CFO of Hospice of Western Michigan from 1990 until 1994. Before working with Hospice, Tom, a CPA, spent twenty years with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young servicing healthcare organizations, privately held businesses, and several SEC-registered corporations. Tom currently serves as a member of the Senior Living 100 Advisory Board and the Leading Age Michigan Board of Directors.
Joan Cornelison
Vice President of Spiritual Care and Church Partnerships
Pastor Joan Cornelison joined Baruch Senior Ministries in September 2020 as our Vice President of Spiritual Care and Church Partnerships. Pastor Joan will be leading the effort to carry the Baruch mission and philosophy of spiritual care throughout the organization. This will include management of our Chaplain program and further development of local church partnerships and other programs to ensure that we are meeting the spiritual needs of our residents, families, and staff. Pastor Joan holds a Bachelor of Education Degree, Master of Literature Degree, Certificate in Christian Ministries, and a Master of Divinity Degree. She served for 15 years as the Executive Director of Pastoral Services for Hope Network, a Michigan organization that serves those with disabilities and disadvantages. She is also the Founder of Esther’s Hope Ministries, which educates and mentors underserved young women in Africa. Pastor Joan furthermore served on Baruch’s Board of Directors prior to accepting this new role.
Brian Nitz
Interim Vice President of Operations
Brian joined Baruch Senior Ministries in July of 2006 when Baruch acquired Somerset Manors. Prior to this acquisition, Brian worked for Somerset Manors for 15 years. He started working there as a college student doing grounds and maintenance. While working on his bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University, Brian was offered multiple internships with Somerset Manors which would land him in roles including the Associate Administrator and the Executive Director. Brian graduated from Grand Valley State University in 1997 with his Bachelor of Business Administration and received a minor in Aging and Adult Development. Since joining Baruch 15 years ago, Brian has been positioned in various roles that include: Marketing, Administration, and most recently he spent the last 5 years as a Regional Operations Director. With almost 30 years of experience in senior care, Brian transitioned to Vice President of Operations in January of 2024 to strengthen and expand the mission and impact of Baruch Senior Ministries.
Chris Meengs
Vice President Human Resources
Chris joined Baruch Senior Ministries in March of 2013. Prior to working at Baruch, Chris spent 15 years in the IT and Education industries. Chris initially started as an Operations Support Coordinator, but as the company continued to grow, his responsibilities in Human Resources continued to grow. He spent several years as the Director of Human Resources before transitioning to his current role as Vice President of Human Resources in 2022. Chris received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Calvin University and received his MBA with a concentration in Human Resources from Davenport University. He also holds his PHR certification from HRCI. Chris has a passion for helping Baruch fulfil its mission to take care of people as they age, and enjoys working with our operations team to help find fellow employees who share that vision.
board of directors
The volunteer Board of Directors for Baruch Senior Ministries is a diverse group of Michigan professionals that offer their unique perspectives to ensure that our mission and values are carried out through all levels of the organization. The Board plays a significant role in strategic planning and assists in guiding Baruch’s future following our mission emphasis.
Dave Koetje, Board Chairman Christian Schools International, President/CEO (Retired)
Scott Zylstra, Secretary/Treasurer Automatic Spring Products, President
Adam Devereaux, Director Progressive Surface, Director of IT
Phil Beezhold, Director Retired Director of Physical Plant Leisure Living Management Calvin University
Chris Aguilar, Director Varnum LLP, Finance Director
