ROANOKE, Va.—Retirement Unlimited (RUI) has made several new executive appointments.
Brian Grahame was named executive vice president of clinical services for the family-owned and Virginia ba
sed senior living community management company; Chef Mohamed Tarawneh will be vice president of culinary experience and operations; and Steve Winter will be vice president of plant operations.
Grahame will oversee clinical operations and compliance as well as the implementation of tactical efforts to continue to strengthen the foundation for future growth and expansion of RUI.
“Brian Grahame is a successful strategic leader,” said Doris-Ellie Sullivan, president of RUI. “We have benefited greatly from his contributions and we are delighted to recognize the broader role he will represent as RUI continues to expand and execute our mission to deliver a lifestyle that our residents have earned and deserve.”
Grahame started his career with the Fralin and Waldron companies in 2009 at RUI’s sister company, Medical Facilities of America. In 2016, he moved to RUI as the vice president of clinical services. During his tenure, Grahame has provided leadership and expertise to ensure the delivery of the highest quality of care and customer serve to residents and families. He has administered all clinical compliance and Department of Social Services regulations through the implementation of company policies and procedures. Grahame has expanded partnerships with Accushield, Primeview, PCC, Omnicare, Integrity First, MIS Identity Theft, Legacy Rehab, Neil Medical, Relias, and VHCA-VCAL. He has also formulated and implemented RUI’s home grown companies: Inspiritás, RUI’s vision and adaptation for memory care, and Care Impact, an ambassador and companion care service.
Taraweh will oversee the fine-dining experience for all RUI communities, ensuring the executive chefs meet and exceed the culinary expectations of the residents and guests whether in the restaurant-style dining room or through catering services.
“Under Chef Mohamed’s direction, the fine-dining experience has been taken to the next level at all of our communities,” said Sullivan. “In his time with RUI, he has already made significant strides towards the implementation of an innovative approach to setting the stage for a customized dining experience. We look forward to what he will bring to the ‘table’ next.”
Taraweh brings 15 years of culinary expertise to RUI, with a comprehensive knowledge of international cuisine. He started his RUI career at Heatherwood Community in 2012. In 2017, he was promoted to senior executive chef and in 2018 to corporate director of culinary experience.
Chef Mohamed has brought a sophistication to RUI communities with the implementation of an a la carte menu. In addition to serving the residents daily, he extended the culinary experience to bistro offerings and catering services to the residents, families and local organizations. He has partnered with RUI University lifelong learning program to offer one of its most popular classes, “Cross-Country Cuisines.” In 2019, he placed first in the Senior Dining Association’s 2019 Culinary Showdown. In 2020, he will be adding a wine club and other specialty programs to continue the culinary experience for our residents, families, team members and communities served.
“I aspire to create a menu that redefines the art of fine dining at our communities,” said Chef Mohamed. “It’s refreshing and exciting to be a part of a company where my culinary aspirations are in line with their goals and expectations.”
Winter will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality physical plant and environmental services for all RUI communities as well as collaborating and coordinating with new development and renovation initiatives.
“Steve Winter is a valued and trusted leader who has the passion, determination, and dedication to encourage his team and colleagues to perform above the rest and has made a significant impact on the success of our company,” said Sullivan.
Winter began his career in the U.S. Navy, serving as an operation specialist for 13 years, where he instructed navigators to operate landing craft air cushion vehicles.
In 1999, he joined Bay Lake Community to assist in the opening of the new RUI community in Virginia Beach, Va. He served as the environmental services director, responsible for the maintenance and housekeeping departments. In 2005, Winter acquired the responsibility of director of dietary services in addition. In 2007, he was promoted to corporate director of plant services, tasking him with conducting quarterly maintenance audits, preparing all RUI communities for HUD/REAC inspections, and assisting with capital expenditures and renovations.
In 2016, under Sullivan’s leadership, Winter was promoted to corporate director of plant operations and assisted in an expansion plan including the building of five additional communities and renovations projects at all existing communities.
“It has been a privilege to serve our residents and RUI for the past 21 years,” said Winter. “We are fortunate to have such caring and generous ownership who continue to make significant improvements to resident care and services in all our communities. My goal is to offer continued support of our growth and serve our residents and communities by doing my part to provide a lifestyle our residents have earned and deserve.”
About Retirement Unlimited, Inc.
Retirement Unlimited, Inc. (RUI) is owned and operated by the Virginia families of Fralin and Waldon. Led by its third-generation of Fralins and second generation of Waldrons, RUI currently has 10 senior living communities throughout Virginia and several active development projects. Their communities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care – Inspiritás as well as a full spectrum of life enrichment programs including RUI University, a lifelong learning and continuing education program. The company has been serving the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1984. RUI’s vision is to provide innovation, excellence in customer service, and an atmosphere of life enrichment for all residents. To learn more about RUI, visit rui.net.