Neptune, N.J. – United Methodist Communities (UMC) and the UMC Foundation today announced the appointment of Bob Peterson as President & CEO, effective November 11, 2026.
Peterson, who has served as interim President & CEO since September, brings extensive knowledge of UMC’s communities, HomeWorks in-home care service, operations, and long-term vision to the role. Since joining UMC in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, he has helped strengthen the organization’s financial position, advanced key priorities, and supported investments in residents, teammates, technology, and future growth.
“Bob has earned the confidence of the Board through his unwavering commitment to our mission and the people we serve,” said Rodney Ross, Chair of the UMC Board of Directors. “He understands where we have been, but more importantly, he has a clear vision for where we can go. We are excited for UMC’s future under his leadership and confident in his ability to lead the organization forward while keeping residents, families, and teammates at the center of that work.”
As President & CEO, Peterson will build on UMC’s current momentum while preparing the organization to meet the evolving needs and expectations of older adults. His priorities include exploring opportunities to extend our impact into new areas, developing more affordable pathways for older adults to access UMC’s services, continuing community renovations that support active and engaging resident experiences, expanding the reach of HomeWorks, and strengthening partnerships through the UMC Foundation. He has also emphasized nurturing a culture where teammates are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and challenge conventional thinking.
“UMC and the people we serve hold a very special place in my heart, and it is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to lead this organization,” said Peterson. “I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and excited about what we can accomplish together. I look forward to working alongside our teammates, residents, families, board members, and partners as we build on what makes UMC special and continue finding new ways to help older adults thrive.”
About UMC
Based in Neptune, New Jersey, United Methodist Communities (UMC) is a nonprofit senior services organization with a mission of compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life. The organization has roots in the Wesleyan faith tradition and is affiliated in ministry with the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. Today, UMC proudly serves seniors of any and all faith traditions and backgrounds.
With 119 years of continuous operation, the organization has grown to 9 locations offering independent, residential, and assisted living; Tapestries® Memory Care; respite; rehabilitation; long-term care; Bridges Hospice and Palliative Care; affordable senior housing; and case management, live-in and in-home personal care through HomeWorks.
UMC operates Bristol Glen (Newton); Collingswood Manor (Collingswood); Pitman Manor (Pitman); The Shores (Ocean City); Bishop Taylor (East Orange); Covenant Place (Plainfield); PineRidge of Montclair (Montclair); Wesley by the Bay (Ocean City); and The Wesleyan (Red Bank). HomeWorks serves the entire state of New Jersey and maintains offices at UMC’s Bristol Glen, Collingswood, Pitman, and The Shores locations.
For media inquiries, please reach out to Samantha Crawford, Corporate Director of Communications, at SCrawford@umcommunities.org.
