April 4, 2024
An Ode to New Beginnings –
Consistent with Quaker values and in a setting of vibrant gardens, Barclay Friends, a Kendal Affiliate, offers homelike accommodations and warm, compassionate care for older adults in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Recognizing that excellent leadership and a cohesive staff team have helped the community thrive, it is with mixed emotions that Barclay Friends announces that after over six years of service as Executive Director, Linda Sterthous has announced her planned retirement in the Spring of 2024.
Linda’s contributions to Barclay Friends have been immeasurable, leading the team through challenging circumstances to successfully build and occupy the Preston building, a new state-of-the-art personal care and memory care community. Under her leadership, Barclay Friends has maintained its status as a five-star rated community, recently recognized for its excellence in care and services throughout Chester County.
A True Mission-Oriented Leader
Linda Sterthous has been a leader in senior living since the 1970s, holding a range of leadership roles throughout her accomplished career. Her extensive experience and expertise helped her lead Barclay Friends through a major rebuilding and repositioning project, while continuing to maintain a high quality of life for residents. Similarly, throughout the pandemic, Linda continued to lead the team with compassion and perseverance, safeguarding the well-being of residents and team members.
One of the driving factors behind Barclay Friends’ success is the emphasis on Quaker values within the community. Linda has played an instrumental role in upholding these values, emphasizing the Quaker values of community, peace, integrity and respect for all individuals. Barclay Friends is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and Linda’s leadership has helped to foster this culture.
Linda states, “Barclay Friends has made an indelible impact on who I am as a person because of the deeply embedded Quaker values that permeate this community and because of the kindness and compassion shown by our team members, board members, and Kendal colleagues towards the people we serve. The team and residents inspired me every day and are the reason we have gotten through incredible challenges and come out on the other side still committed to our mission and values.”
Board Chair Ellen Gilbert expresses, “Throughout her time with Barclay Friends, Linda has demonstrated her unfailingly positive attitude, her ability to think strategically and solve problems, her tenacity in the face of challenges, her ability to lead others, and her wonderful sense of humor.” She will be greatly missed.
The Kendal Corporation will also miss her thoughtful and meaningful contributions to the Kendal System.
Nationwide Search Underway
Barclay Friends is well-positioned to transition into a new phase. The dedication and passion of the employee team and wonderful residents make the community a special place, and the search for a new Executive Director marks an important new chapter. The Barclay Friends board of directors has begun a nationwide search for Linda’s replacement, and the community seeks to welcome a new Executive Director who will continue to uphold the mission and values. Barclay Friends will continue to build on her legacy and maintain its status as a senior living and care leader in the upcoming years.
Continued Contributions
It’s important to note that Linda is not only the Executive Director of Barclay Friends, but also the board chair of Friends Service Alliance (FSA). Despite her retirement from Barclay Friends, she will remain the board chair of the FSA until March 2025. Her continued contribution to the community is a testament to her dedication and passion.
The Barclay Friends’ Board of Directors expects a smooth and seamless transition and is committed to updating the community as things progress. Any questions regarding this transition should be directed to Kelly McCool, Senior Director of Admissions and Marketing at Barclay Friends, at 610-696-5211 or kmccool@bf.kendal.org.