THE LEGACY AT NORTH AUGUSTA LEADERSHIP

Cyndi Walters was named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of National Lutheran Communities and Services (NLCS) in May 2021, assuming the position full time in August 2021. Prior to this role, she served as chief operating officer (COO) since 2016.

Cyndi has served at NLCS in varying capacities for nine years; first as a consultant before joining as chief operating officer in 2016. Cumulatively, Walters has over 30 years of experience in the senior living industry including a strong background in strategically growing and diversifying the organization and an enhanced focus on operating as a senior-living system and leveraging its benefits and efficiencies. Prior to joining NLCS, she provided project management and advisory services to senior living organizations through Walters Advisors, LLC. She has also served in a leadership role at Presbyterian Senior Living in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, and during her 19 years at KPMG (a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services), spent significant time as a partner and leader of their National Senior Living Advisory Practice.

As president and CEO, Cyndi’s focus is strategically growing and furthering NLCS’ mission to honor, inspire and support choice and opportunity in partnership with older adults. Cyndi is an advocate for “aging with choice,” which means supporting older adults in making their own choices in aging, whether it means moving to a senior living community or bringing in supportive services to their home. She is also an advocate for team members across the organization and leads a team dedicated to ensuring NLCS remains a Great Place to Work® and an employer of choice for those who have a heart to serve older adults.

Cyndi is a native of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from York College of Pennsylvania.

Denise Kozlowski has dedicated her career to improving senior care services and nurturing clinical leaders. Her journey began as a nursing assistant during high school, showcasing her commitment to the field early. Denise earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Scranton and her master’s degree from the University of Virginia (Go Wahoos!).

In 2013, Denise joined National Lutheran Communities & Services ( NLCS) as the administrator of myPotential at Home–A National Lutheran Service. She quickly demonstrated her leadership capabilities by expanding myPotential at Home to Maryland in 2015 and opening home health services in 2016. Her passion for education and mentorship led her to serve as adjunct clinical faculty with Shenandoah University’s School of Nursing where she influenced the next generation of nurses.

By 2023, Denise transitioned to the role of Clinical Services Lead, focusing on coaching and consulting with clinical leaders across NLCS. In February 2024, Denise assumed the role of Interim Executive Director at The Legacy at North Augusta. Four months later, Denise dropped the “interim” title and now serves as the executive director for The Legacy. She will continue to drive excellence and innovation in senior care services.

Denise and her husband, Fred, share a love for UVA men’s basketball and enjoy time together with their three adult children, who are also UVA graduates.

Stanford Moats brings more than 20 years of community and retirement living sales experience to the sales team at The Legacy at North Agusta.

Prior to his employment at The Legacy, he held progressively responsible sales and director positions at assisted living and memory care communities.

Stanford is a results-oriented leader who enjoys collaborating with his colleagues to create opportunities for older adults, he is passionate about generating positive relationships and experiences.

Kelly is an experienced senior living professional with more than a decade of expertise in enhancing resident engagement and well-being. She joined The Legacy team in December 2024 and is committed to enriching the quality of life for residents through meaningful and purposeful activities.

A graduate of Longwood University, Kelly holds a degree in therapeutic recreation. Prior to joining The Legacy, she served in various roles in Richmond, including memory support neighborhood leader and recreation therapy manager, where she developed a strong foundation in person-centered care.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, exercising, exploring the outdoors, caring for animals and discovering new wineries and restaurants.

Mary Palomo joined National Lutheran Communities & Services in December 2021 as the talent & culture director.  She has over 20 years of experience in all areas of human resources. Mary earned a Bachelor of Science from Frostburg University and achieved the designations of SHRM-SCP and SPHR. 

Mary has proven success in creating cultures of collaboration and implementing change to achieve workforce excellence. Mary uses her strong human resources background and a blend of experience in various positions to affect positive change in the organizations where she’s worked.  Effectively balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution to combine decisiveness, strong business acumen and formal education to achieve professional objectives.  She is passionate about the people that bring organizations to life and believes in supporting the development of people and their potential! 

Chris Sorrells was hired as director of dining services in August of 2022. Prior to working at The Legacy at North Augusta, Chris worked as catering chef at Washington and Lee University, and executive chef at Mary Baldwin University. At Washington and Lee, he polished his skills working with Executive Chef Xavier Deshayes formerly of the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center. At Mary Baldwin University Chris worked as executive chef, managing up to forty employees while taking classes online. Chris likes to spend his free time fishing, hunting, foraging, playing music and entertaining friends and family.

Pastor Dan joined The Legacy as chaplain in February 2025, bringing with him a passion for walking alongside individuals in their faith and a deep appreciation for their stories. He finds joy in building meaningful connections within the community and providing spiritual care to those he serves.

He holds a Bachelor of Science from Bridgewater College and a Master of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Before coming to The Legacy, he served as pastor at Trinity Ecumenical Parish near Smith Mountain Lake.

Outside of his work at The Legacy, Pastor Dan also serves as pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Staunton. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Sarah, and their children. His hobbies include gardening, bird-watching and cooking.