The senior care industry is constantly evolving, and it takes a certain kind of leader to stay ahead of the curve—someone with vision, resilience, and the ability to inspire teams while delivering excellence. Lori S. Colwell Jones is that leader. For over 25 years, she has been at the forefront of change in senior living, pioneering new ways to enhance care, improve operational efficiency, and uplift the lives of both residents and staff. As the Chief Operating Officer at 12 Oaks Senior Living, Lori’s journey is a compelling story of transformative leadership that combines clinical expertise with a passion for creating environments where people thrive.
A Journey of Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
From her humble beginnings in pediatrics to her groundbreaking work in senior care, Lori’s career has been a relentless pursuit of excellence. She didn’t start in the senior care industry by choice; she found her calling. Lori’s passion for serving others, especially the elderly, took hold early, guiding her through pivotal roles such as Director of Nursing and Nursing Home Administrator. Even at a young age, she was trusted with responsibilities most people only dream of. Her remarkable journey began at just 21, when she became a Director of Nursing, proving that age has nothing to do with ability when dedication and talent are at the core.
Lori’s decision to move to Hawaii for a few years became a defining chapter in her career. She became the youngest to earn a Nursing Home Administrator license in the state, further solidifying her commitment to serving older adults with the highest standards. Not only did she excel at building efficient systems, but Lori also made an impact by achieving two deficiency-free surveys—a feat that speaks to her meticulous attention to detail and high standards.
Leadership Built on Core Values and Empowerment
What sets Lori apart from other leaders in senior care is her emphasis on values that go beyond just operational success. At 12 Oaks Senior Living, where she now serves as COO, Lori lives and breathes the company’s core values: Character, Competency, Stewardship, and Servanthood. These values aren’t just a corporate slogan—they are the foundation upon which she has built an impactful leadership style. Lori’s vision is simple yet profound: Build a culture where each team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional care.
Her leadership philosophy is centered on continuous development, fostering a sense of purpose, and creating an environment where teams can thrive. At 12 Oaks, she spearheads leadership training programs like the Leadership IMPACT training, developed in collaboration with the Capacity Leadership Center, to further reinforce these values. By nurturing future leaders, Lori is not only shaping the future of senior care but also ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead with empathy and efficiency.
Innovation in Senior Living: A Visionary Approach to Operations
Lori’s leadership goes beyond just maintaining a high standard of care—it’s about innovating processes and improving operational efficiency. Through methods like Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and LEAN work methodologies, Lori has streamlined workflows that directly benefit both staff and residents. She doesn’t just look at challenges; she finds practical solutions to make things better, faster, and more effective. She believes that the secret to lasting success in senior care is creating systems that allow for personal connections between staff and residents, ensuring a balance between efficiency and compassion.
Her approach has been transformative at 12 Oaks Senior Living, where she leads with a clear vision and empowers her team to take ownership of their roles. By limiting the number of communities under each Regional Vice President, Lori ensures that every senior living community gets the attention it deserves. This personalized approach has led to a consistent track record of success and exceptional care for seniors across various facilities.
Commitment to Personal and Professional Growth
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lori’s personal philosophy is deeply intertwined with her leadership style. She believes in the power of relationships and the importance of fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. She openly shares with emerging leaders the importance of prioritizing people over processes and products—because ultimately, it’s the people who drive success.
Lori’s advice for those stepping into leadership roles for the first time is simple but profound: trust your instincts, persevere through challenges, and embrace every experience—good or bad—as an opportunity for growth. She insists that leadership isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about the influence you have on others and the relationships you build along the way. In her own words: “Remember that as you develop as a leader, it’s not solely about performance; your ability to influence and gain exposure also stems from the relationships you cultivate.”
Lori’s Legacy: Cultivating a Lasting Impact in Senior Care
As Lori continues to lead with passion, compassion, and dedication, her legacy is clear: She has shaped the senior living industry into one that prioritizes people above all. Whether it’s through innovative leadership training programs, streamlining operations for efficiency, or creating a culture where every team member feels valued, Lori’s impact will be felt for years to come.
Her story is a shining example of how leadership, when driven by core values and a commitment to excellence, can elevate entire industries. For Lori, it’s never been just about moving up the corporate ladder—it’s been about uplifting those around her and leaving a lasting, positive impact on the lives of seniors and their families.
Lori S. Colwell Jones
Chief Operating Officer at 12 Oaks Senior Living
