Our Leadership

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford

Mr. Michael Jessup

President & CEO

Michael joins Alzheimer’s Community Care after a 25- year extensive professional and volunteer career in leadership of non-profit organizations, including past service as Executive Director at Susan G. Komen Maryland Affiliate, Executive Officer at Maryland Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, a leadership role with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and as an independent non-profit consultant. His experience includes developing programs, leading and motivating staff, working constructively with board members, and overseeing important operations for various organizations.


In addition to his professional career, Michael has dedicated much of his life to healthcare, serving on boards and volunteering for organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Maryland, Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant Center, and the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.

Mr. Kevin Wrenne

Chief of Staff

Wrenne has served as a member of the board at Alzheimer’s Community Care for 10 years, during which he guided the success of the organization. In 2022, Alzheimer’s Community Care marked 25 years of service to families of South Florida. In the last quarter of a century, Alzheimer’s Community Care has expanded to 12 day care centers, where teams are trained to provide dignified and compassionate care for Floridians living with Alzheimer’s. The organization has also expanded its services to include ID locator service, family nurse consultants, education, advocacy and a 24-hour crisis line.

Most recently, Wrenne served as president and CEO of Banyan Place in Boca Raton, where he managed a 125-resident independent and assisted living facility. Prior to that, Wrenne served as chief operating officer for Advent Ministries. For more than 15 years, Wrenne was president and CEO of Nationwide Computer, an international IBM mid-range and main frame reseller based in Boynton Beach.

Dr. Karen Gilbert, DNP MS RN CDP

Vice President of Education & Quality Assurance

Karen Gilbert is a Registered Nurse and has worked in health care administration in Palm Beach County for over 35 years. For the past nine years, Karen has worked with patients experiencing various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and related neurocognitive disorders. In working with these patients and their families, Karen has promoted highly individualized care planning methods to maintain and optimize patients’ abilities, coach and support caregivers and improve quality of life for those affected by these diseases. Karen holds Certification in Alzheimer’s disease training from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs as well as designation as a Certified Dementia Practitioner from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Karen presents educational programs for health care professionals, law enforcement and first responders, community groups, as well as area medical, nursing, social work and health administration students. Karen was recognized with the 2017 Palm Beach County Medical Society Hero in Medicine Award for Education. Karen serves on the School of Nursing Advisory Boards of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Keiser University, and Palm Beach State College. Karen earned the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Karen received her Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, and holds a Master of Science degree in Health and Human Services from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

Ms. Jackie Chong, MBA, NHA

Vice President of Family and Specialized Day Services

Jackie Chong has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare field. She began her career as a Social Service Director in a Nursing Home and over the last 16 years has been a leader within various service models of healthcare, which has brought a wide range of experience to the organization. As the Vice President of Family and Specialized Day Services, Jackie is responsible for upholding the organization’s programs and services to the standards and principles set forth by the staff and board. Jackie has a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Alexander Guanarita

Vice President of Finance

Alexander Guanarita’s career spans more than 28 years of varied experience in diverse areas of Accounting, Finance, Business Leadership, and Corporate Strategy. Alexander started his career in New York and moved to Florida in 2004 with his wife and two daughters.

Prior to joining Alzheimer’s Community Care, Alexander served as a Chief Financial Officer for Families First of Palm Beach County. Before that he was employed with various Profit and Non-Profit organizations in diverse areas of Insurance Brokerage, Petroleum Business, Addiction Treatment Centers, Healthcare, and Portfolio Management.

During his time off, he volunteers his time as a head coach to AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) for U19 Girls division.

Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from New York University: Stern School of Business.

Mr. Ryan Holbrook

Director of Technology and Innovation

Ryan Holbrook joined Alzheimer’s Community Care in 2022 as the Director of Technology and Innovation. He worked for the Austin Texas Convention and Visitors Bureau as the IT Manager for over six years handling the IT infrastructure along with working with events such as SXSW, MotoGP, Formula One, and ACL Music Festival. He has been in the IT Field for over 16 years and has worked with government facilities, non-profit organizations, and legal teams throughout the United States.

Ryan holds a degree in Business Administration in Finance and Marketing, along with a minor in Computer Forensics. His passion is driven by learning new ideas and introducing the newest cutting-edge technology for the company and the employees at Alzheimer’s Community Care. Also, Ryan serves as an ambassador to numerous companies for cyber security and network forensics. He has experienced firsthand Alzheimer’s in his family and is dedicated and driven by Alzheimer’s Community Care’s mission.

Mr. Chris Harmon

Vice President of Development

Chris joins the Alzheimer’s Community Care team with over 30 years of fundraising, development, and nonprofit management experience. An industry veteran, Chris brings extensive knowledge of annual campaigns, major and leadership gifts, planned giving, volunteer, committee, and board development, special events, grant research, and writing. He will spearhead Alzheimer’s Community Care’s development efforts and will help refine and boost the fundraising program to help support the clients, families, and caregivers suffering from Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders in Florida. 

Chris previously served as the Major Gifts Officer for Catholic Charities of Baltimore and Gettysburg College. His experience includes serving as the Director of Development at Frostburg State University and the Benedictine School for Developmental Children. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration in finance and marketing from Frostburg State University.

His personal experience of caring for his mother with Alzheimer’s drives his passion and devotion to raise funds and support Alzheimer’s Community Care programs to help others and encourage the community to show care and compassion for those suffering from this disease.

Ms. Jeannette Brumond

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations, Jeannette Brumond utilizes her extensive 25-year experience from corporate and non-profit sectors to ensure the smooth running of our daycare centers and satellite offices. Since joining Alzheimer’s Community Care in 2014, she has climbed the ranks from Administrative Assistant to her current role, handling tasks from vendor liaison to facilities management.

A former New Yorker, Jeannette has a rich background in corporations like AIG and Carrier Global. Her roles ranged from facilitating global employee onboarding to analytical and forecasting services in insurance. At Carrier Global, she directly supported the Vice President of Ethics & Compliance. With experience in insurance, legal, and non-profit sectors, Jeannette customizes her skills to fit varying client needs. Her professional compassion underpins her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

Ms. Valentyna Steele

Director of Human Resources

As the Director of Human Resources, Valentyna is a seasoned human resources expert with exceptional experience in both the hospitality and healthcare sectors. She brings over seven years of experience in hospitality and two years of experience in healthcare human resources. She has refined her skills across diverse areas within these industries and has achieved remarkable milestones in her career since joining the Alzheimer’s Community Care in 2021. Her profound knowledge and proficiency in human resources have played a pivotal role in propelling the organization. Passionate about empowering employees and fostering a leading workplace atmosphere, she is dedicated to working with individuals who contribute to extraordinary achievements. She joined Alzheimer’s Community Care after being inspired by her personal experience with a loved one battling Alzheimer’s.

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