A Leader with Heart and Experience
GreenFields of Geneva senior living community is pleased to welcome Danielle King as its new executive director. Having worked in senior living and healthcare for more than a decade, King brings both deep expertise and a heartfelt passion for serving older adults. Her leadership is shaped by personal experiences and a genuine connection to seniors, making her a natural and much-valued addition to the GreenFields community.
Inspired by Family and Service
Growing up in Aurora and later Sugar Grove, King’s grandparents lived with her family. Sharing daily life with them helped to shape her commitment to helping seniors feel valued, supported, and truly at home. That early influence was strengthened through mission trips with her church, including visits to nursing homes in underserved communities, as well as summer work in activities at an assisted living community.
Education Grounded in Gerontology and Leadership
King went on to earn a degree in psychology and gerontology from Miami University in Ohio, followed by a full-year administrator-in-training internship and the licensing to become a nursing home administrator. These experiences laid the foundation for a career defined by leadership, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.
Proven Leadership Through Challenge and Growth
For 12 years, King served as a nursing home administrator, including a decade with a multi-site rehabilitation services organization across the Chicago area. During that time, she successfully led teams through periods of change and challenge, helping build strong operations while keeping residents at the center of every decision.
Expanding Her Perspective at Oak Trace
Her journey to GreenFields of Geneva began as administrator of the Health and Wellness Center at its sister community, Oak Trace Senior Living in Downers Grove, both owned and operated by Lifespace Communities. There, King broadened her leadership across assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing, while gaining firsthand experience in the power of a collaborative, purpose driven community.
An Exciting Next Chapter at GreenFields of Geneva
When the opportunity to lead GreenFields of Geneva became available, King said the role felt like a natural and exciting next step. As a continuing care retirement community, GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing.
“GreenFields is an active, engaged community, and the residents are deeply invested in its success,” she said. “That sense of ownership and pride is something special, and it is what drew me here.”
A Community Defined by Collaboration
King thinks highly of the team at GreenFields, noting a culture built on collaboration and shared commitment.
“There is a strong mix of long tenured team members and new voices, all focused on helping residents thrive,” she said. “Everyone truly wants the best for this community.”
Strength Through Lifespace Communities
As part of Lifespace Communities, King said GreenFields benefits from the support, expertise, and resources of the organization that listens to residents and invests in meaningful programs and experiences.
“As a leader, it is incredibly rewarding to be part of an organization that hears what residents want and has the ability to deliver,” she said. “It allows communities like GreenFields to continue growing and evolving in thoughtful ways.”
Looking Ahead with Purpose
King is embracing the hospitality-focused approach of her new role, seeing it as an opportunity to grow while building on her strong operational background.
“This role challenges me in the best way,” she said. “It is about balancing structure with warmth, and operations with experience. That balance is what makes senior living so meaningful.”
