After more than two decades of dedicated leadership, Tom Smith, executive director of River Landing at Sandy Ridge, has made a powerful and deeply personal decision – he and his wife will be joining the community’s Resident of the Future waitlist.
Following 23 years of service at River Landing, Tom’s decision speaks volumes.
Choosing to retire in the very community he has helped lead and shape is a meaningful reflection of the trust he has in its mission, its team and the lifestyle it offers. It is not just something he has championed professionally – it is something he believes in personally.
“When you commit to treating people the way you would want to be treated, making a decision like this becomes easy,” Tom shares.
Throughout his tenure, Tom has played a key role in shaping the culture that defines River Landing today, fostering an environment rooted in warmth, connection and a true sense of belonging.
“When prospective residents visit, they often comment on how warm and welcoming it feels,” he says. “There is a genuine sense of community here. It is vibrant, active and there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
Some of Tom’s most meaningful moments have come from witnessing the relationships between team members and residents.
“The connections our team builds with residents are incredibly special,” he says. “You see the level of care, the compassion and the consistency every day. That gives you confidence in the quality of care you will receive, and I look forward to experiencing that from the other side.”
While retirement is still ahead, Tom shares that what he looks forward to most is enjoying the very community he helped build.
A significant part of that decision is rooted in River Landing’s Presbyterian roots – something Tom says sets the tone for everything the team does.
“Each morning, our leadership team comes together, and we close our meeting in prayer,” Tom says. “It grounds us. It aligns us in purpose and reminds us that our work is about serving others with compassion, humility and intention.”
Tom’s decision to join the Resident of the Future waitlist is more than a milestone – it is a powerful testament to the culture, care and mission that defines River Landing. His leadership has helped shape a community where people feel valued, supported and at home.
And now, as he looks toward the future, Tom is choosing to become part of the very experience he has spent years shaping – a decision that speaks louder than words.
By Jessica Ford
Kintura Content Specialist