Mel Matsumoto announced his retirement as Executive Director & CEO of Channing House, effective April 30, 2019, and Board Chair Helene Butler announced that the Board of Trustees has named Rhonda Bekkedahl, currently serving as Channing House’s Chief Operating Officer, to succeed him as CEO on May 1.
Mr. Matsumoto had held the position since November, 2012, and guided Channing House through the construction of its Lee Health Center, the current upgrade of all its units, and general improvement in programs and finances.
“I have loved my nearly 6 ½ years here,” he said. “But after 40+ years in the field, it is time for me to see retirement from the other side – as the recipient rather than provider of services.”
Ms. Bekkedahl joined Channing House as Finance Director in 2011 and was named COO last year. “As the Trustees considered the qualities we were looking for in a successor to Mel,” Ms. Butler said, “we knew we wanted someone with strong managerial and financial experience and an understanding of the complexities of an operation like this. We were hoping to find someone who was familiar with the local community and, most important, someone who embraced the mission of Channing House and understood what made this place so special. We could not have been more fortunate because that person was right here in front of us. We are confident that Rhonda will continue the excellent work that Mel started during his tenure.”
While addressing the community residents, Ms. Bekkedahl said, “We will continue to be good stewards of Channing House resources, ensure that we are using best-practices in delivering services to you, and deliver these services with respect and compassion.”
Channing House is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Life Plan/Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in downtown Palo Alto.
To learn more visit www.channinghouse.org
