Leadership Team

JEFF BEVIS, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER

Jeff Bevis is President and CEO of FirstLight Home Care. With more than 30 years of experience in franchising, Jeff displays a successful track record of accelerating growth in a variety of franchise concepts. His expertise includes senior management leadership, as well as the development of a major senior care franchise brand within in a four-year span. Jeff has earned the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation, meeting rigorous requirements from the franchising industry. He has a trademark reputation for building strong, trusting relationships with franchisees and enabling strong unit economics at the franchise level to build system success.

ALLEN RIGGS, DIRECTOR

Allen Riggs is a Director of FirstLight Home Care. Allen has more than 35 years of solid franchising leadership experience, driving success in a variety of major franchise concepts in the healthcare and senior care sectors. He also has a solid track record of facilitating outstanding relationships with franchisees, while encouraging open, honest communications for the benefit of all stakeholders. Allen also was an invited delegate to the 2005 White House Council on Aging, which is held every ten years.

BERNARD MARKEY, DIRECTOR

Bernard Markey is a Director of FirstLight Home Care. Bernard has comprehensive financial experience, including more than 20 years in a series of private equity leadership roles. He is co-founder and managing partner of Navigator Partners, and he has led companies in a variety of industries either as chairman or from a board-level responsibility. Markey previously held positions in marketing with IBM; sales management with Mentor Computer Systems; and he was a financial analyst with U.S. Golf Management, Inc.

BILL STEWART, DIRECTOR

Bill Stewart is a Director of FirstLight Home Care. Bill has extensive investing, operating and turnaround experience and is a partner at Navigator Partners. He has successfully led organizations from a series of different roles, including chief financial officer, managing director and board advisor. Bill is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

DEVIN BEVIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FRANCHISE SERVICES AND CO-FOUNDER

Devin Bevis is Executive Director of Franchise Services and Co-Founder of FirstLight Home Care. Devin delivers award-winning levels of customer service for the company. He coordinates and implements technology and web applications to help FirstLight continually look for innovative ways to help its franchise owners succeed and grow their business. Devin is a graduate of the Ritz-Carlton Customer Service Training series, completing this curriculum while employed with the Ritz Carlton. Devin also has held positions in franchise development and database marketing in multiple franchise-concept environments.

DANIELLE CANTIN, Vice President of Branding

Danielle Cantin is Vice President of Brand Development for FirstLight Home Care. Danielle oversees market research, development and various marketing strategies for the company. A strategic and creative leader, Danielle has developed effective solutions for a variety of clients, particularly helping companies with multiple locations work together to create a unified brand experience. Her brand leadership expertise and passion for the senior community has helped companies serving seniors create positive, engaging experiences for their clients. Danielle is a well-respected senior brand expert, speaking at expos and leadership conferences, and she is always pursuing advanced education and training opportunities.

ALLYSON WATERS, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Allyson Waters is Director of Marketing for FirstLight Home Care. In this role, Allyson ensures FirstLight brand standards are consistent across all channels by managing the design, creation and customization of the company’s marketing tools, advertisements, collateral pieces, event materials, video assets and more. She is a creative leader with extensive experience in project management, sales and marketing, as well as the cultural development and training of team members. Prior to joining FirstLight, she served as SVP Marketing Director for Cole Taylor Mortgage, and she managed her own marketing consultancy business whose primary client was a 26-unit senior living community. Allyson is committed to supporting individual FirstLight franchise owners to help them build successful businesses. Allyson’s personal passions include food, wine, travel, reading and pet rescue and rehabilitation.

CRESTA LEWIS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Cresta Lewis is Public Relations & Social media manager for FirstLight Home Care. Cresta helps to amplify the FirstLight brand and increase awareness and engagement both nationally and regionally through public relations and social media initiatives. She has a journalism background and nearly 20 years of experience in the communications industry. Cresta previously served as Counselor for a PR agency; PR Director for a full-service advertising agency; and she operated her own communications consulting business. She has an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for sharing brand stories.

JEFF GOEBEL, VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & TEAM SUPPORT

Jeff Goebel is Vice President of Business Development & Team Support for FirstLight Home Care. Jeff leads FirstLight’s team of Business Development Directors responsible for providing ongoing operational support to franchise owners across the country while also serving as a dedicated business coach and expert in key aspects of FirstLight’s business. He brings significant industry knowledge to the corporate team, having owned a successful franchise for another home care company where he oversaw all business operations. His franchise was frequently ranked as the top office in the Midwest and one of the top 10 offices in the nation. Jeff’s other business ventures included real estate, manufacturing, and electrical systems.

TERRI ZIMMER, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, WESTERN U.S & SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

Terri Zimmer is Staff Vice President – Western U.S. and South Central Region and Business Development and Team Support. Her primary responsibilities include supporting and managing our Business Development Director team in the western regions of the U.S., as well as leading field operational support and ensuring maximum success for FirstLight franchise owners in her own region. Terri brings more than 25 years of experience in the staffing and home care industries; 10 years as owner-operator of multi-unit/multi-state home care franchise; and expertise running franchise operations, sales and marketing, recruiting and finance. Terri’s passion for senior care and desire to serve others is evident in the time she devotes to volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association, Cancer Services, Serving Our Seniors and CASA. Terri also is a member of the Home Care Association of America.

MELISSA BOLLINGER, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NORTHEAST REGION

Melissa Bollinger is Director of Business Development for FirstLight franchise owners in the Northeast Region. In this role, Melissa supports each FirstLight franchise in location launch, operations, business development and networking. She has focused on senior advocacy, dementia care and palliative and hospice care services for more than a decade. She has extensive experience within the home care segment and the issues and needs driving its growth. Melissa was the youngest person in New Jersey to become a Division of Aging Services Advocate, and the youngest board member of the Department of Health and Senior Services in the state’s history.

DAN DEAK, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, LAUNCH SPECIALIST

Dan Deak is Director of Business Development, Launch Specialist for new FirstLight franchise owners. Dan is responsible for coaching all new franchisees during the launch phase by guiding them through the processes of business formation, licensing and planning. He will help owners build a strong foundation for growth and equip them with the tools they need to build a thriving business that provides exceptional client care. Dan previously worked for one of the largest nonprofit hospice providers in the country. There he built several home care agencies and was responsible for all aspects of operations, such as creating business plans, establishing operational policies, securing financing, obtaining licensure and developing business for the agencies. Dan holds a Bachelors Degree in Finance and an MBA in Healthcare Management. He belongs to the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives™ (ICFE) and is pursuing the Certified Franchise Executive™ (CFE) designation.

MANDI STEWART, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, SOUTHEAST REGION

Mandi Stewart brings over 15 years of business development experience with emphasis in healthcare and assisting start-ups and established businesses maximize growth potential while refining business operations. She has hands-on experience managing multiple non-medical home care franchises, with widespread experience in compliance, operations, caregiver recruitment & on-boarding, networking, and overall business planning. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and completed her MBA/Management from Regis University. Mandi is also a Positive Approach to Dementia Care (PAC) Certified Independent Consultant.  

Erin Sullivan, Director of Business Development, Midwest Region

Erin Sullivan is Director of Business Development for FirstLight franchise owners in the Midwest region. She is responsible for helping owners build and maintain a successful, thriving home care business. Erin has been in healthcare leadership roles for the past 13 years. She brings significant industry knowledge to the FirstLight support team, having specifically focused on healthcare operations, home, hospice, and care management for the last 7 years. Erin has a master’s in Organizational Development and is a certified Executive Coach. She also has volunteered with the Guardian ad Litem and KC Literacy Council.

KITTY VRADENBURG, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WEST REGION

Kitty Vradenburg is Director of Business Development for FirstLight franchise owners in the West Region. Kitty brings extensive knowledge of the home care industry. Most recently, she served as Director of Special Operations for a national home care organization, and was responsible for all aspects of on-boarding, training and supporting franchise offices. In addition to her 9+ years in the home care industry, Kitty has worked as a recruiter, educator and trainer for a multitude of companies, including Inamax Medical Staffing, Bayada Nurses and Gentiva Healthcare Services.

DARYL BECKLES, SPHR, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Daryl Beckles is Director of Human Resources for FirstLight Home Care. She is responsible for creating and implementing best practices for sourcing, hiring and retaining compassionate and patient caregivers that reflect FirstLight Home Care’s Culture of Care philosophy. Daryl’s role also includes implementing consistent recruiting, hiring, training and development practices across the FirstLight brand. She has a passion for people and their development within a brand and brings more than 20 years of experience in organizational development. She has served as a board member for several organizations and spends her time volunteering for many charitable groups in the Greater Cincinnati area.  

REBECCA RUSHING, BSN, RN, DIRECTOR OF CLIENT CARE SERVICES

Rebecca Rushing serves as Director of Client Care Services for FirstLight Home Care. Rebecca oversees the development and implementation of the company’s companion and personal care services, caregiver training and state licensing processes for local offices. She brings more than 30 years of nursing experience – and a passion for the well-being of seniors – to FirstLight Home Care. Prior to joining the company, Rebecca held nursing and leadership positions at numerous Cincinnati-area hospitals, hospice and senior care facilities. She has also shared her extensive nursing expertise as a classroom and clinical instructor for nursing students.

Kerri Pendley, Director of Healthcare Strategy

Kerri Pendley is Director of Healthcare Strategy for FirstLight Home Care. She is responsible for all aspects of the National Alliances department, including the ongoing growth and development of new and existing regional and national alliance relationships. Kerri has more than 18 years of experience in healthcare operations and business development, as well as acquisition and start-up experience in Home Care and Adult Day Services in multiple states. She is a Board Member and PSSA Advisory Board Chairperson for the Tennessee Association of Home Care and is a Public Policy Committee Member and past Board Member for the National Adult Day Services Association. Kerri also has volunteered with the American Red Cross.

PERRY PRUETT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM SERVICES

Perry Pruett is Executive Director, Technology Platform Services for FirstLight Home Care. Perry is responsible for the leadership, support and strategy of technology applications and expansions for FirstLight franchisees and the franchisor system. He brings more than 30 years of Operations and IT experience within the Home Care, Home Health and Hospice industries, and he previously served as Vice President of IT Systems for several leading providers. He has been involved in major operations of front office and back office systems, as well as the implementation of two electronic health record systems for more than 400 offices. 

LARRY FRANCE, DIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT

Larry is Director of Franchise Development for FirstLight Home Care.  Since joining the company, Larry has been integral to franchise location growth, including the execution of internal area development expansions and extensions of subsequent territories, as well as resales and transfers within the United States. He has more than 20 years of inside and outside sales and management experience, as well as more than a decade of experience in franchising with another home care concept.  Larry is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) as acknowledged by the International Franchise Association.

Scott Oaks, Director of Franchise Development

Scott is Director of Franchise Development for FirstLight Home Care. He is responsible for new franchise growth and expansion east of the Mississippi and focused on recruiting and awarding territories to new franchisees who meet the requirements of the FirstLight system. Scott is a proven professional with more than 15 years of success in the franchising industry, including 5 years in the home health franchise industry. In addition to directly working for franchisors, Scott also has consulted with more than 50 different franchise concepts to help build their franchise awarding processes and marketing programs.