Leadership

Kevin P. DeAcosta, President & CEO, joined The Highlands in September 2000, and was promoted to the position of CFO in January 2004, served as Interim President and CFO from January 2012 through March 2013, and was appointed President & CEO effective March 2013. Mr. DeAcosta received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Alvernia University in Reading, PA.  Prior to coming to The Highlands, Mr. DeAcosta spent 10 years in the banking and public accounting industries. At The Highlands, Mr. DeAcosta plans, directs and manages all operations. He develops and maintains effective business and professional relations with members of the Board of Directors, residents, clients, industry organizations, hospitals and churches. Additionally, he works in cooperation with the Governing Board in developing the strategic vision for the organization.

In his role as Vice President of Development and Marketing, Cameron Martin heads the Marketing team and all marketing initiatives and supports all aspects of The Highlands’ fundraising programs, including planned giving, grateful resident program, donor events and capital projects. Cameron Martin is an experienced development professional with more than 13 years leading fundraising efforts in Berks County and beyond. He enjoys engaging with donors to champion fundraising projects that positively impact the community and provide meaningful ways to share their compassion and generosity by creating a legacy of philanthropy.

Before his role at The Highlands, Cameron served in development roles for many local organizations, including Reading Hospital Foundation, Caron Treatment Centers, Berks Encore and Lancaster Bible College. His proudest moment at Berks Encore was leading a collaborative effort to bring the Meals on Wheels Subaru Outback to Berks County. This effort is still making a positive impact today.

Cameron earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Millersville University and a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies from Lancaster Bible College. He is an active member of the Berks Regional Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on the Millersville University Alumni Association Board. In 2018, Cameron was part of the inaugural group to receive the Reading Eagle’s 40 under 40 Award, which spotlighted the next level of leaders in Berks County, and in 2020, he received Berks Encore’s Rising Leader award.

Cameron is proud of his hardworking wife, Randi. Together, he and Randi are parents to two vivacious little girls!

Blake joined The Highlands at Wyomissing® with more than 27 years’ experience in senior living and healthcare. He is active in the community, serving on the Denver Borough Council and Ephrata Community Health Foundation Board. Blake earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and received his Masters of Business Administration from LaSalle University. He and his wife, Janice, have one son named Grady.

Anita comes to The Highlands at Wyomissing® with more than 40 years’ experience in senior living.  During her career she has held various leadership capacities within personal care and residential living, most recently serving as an Executive Director of a senior living community. Anita has been a Personal Care Home Administrator since 1998 and a Certified Aging Service Professional since 2015.  She is an active member in her community, serving in leadership capacities with local Rotary and Chamber of Commerce organizations. Anita lives in Mt. Joy, Lancaster County, and enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 5 grandchildren.

Lorena Lazarchick, Director of Community Life and Engagement, joined The Highlands at Wyomissing in November of 1987.   Mrs. Lazarchick provides leadership, oversight, management, development, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations for the following departments/areas:  Residential Living Programming, Security, Fitness Center, Pastoral Care, and Social Services.  She also serves as the liaison between the Board of Directors and Administration.

Jared Martz, Director of Community Life and Engagement, joined The Highlands at Wyomissing in September 2016. During his career, he has served in various roles within Residential Living. Jared’s responsibilities include the leadership, management and development of the day-to-day operations for Residential Living Programming and Social Services. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Alvernia University and serves the local community through various organizations. He enjoys going on adventures with his wife and young daughter.

Rick Melcher returns to The Highlands at Wyomissing® with more than 36 years’ experience in accounting and financial management, including more than 30 years of leadership roles in healthcare, higher education and senior living. Previously CFO for The Highlands, Rick most recently served as Controller for Mennonite Home Communities and Associate Vice President and Controller for Albright College.

Throughout his career, Rick has prided himself on providing strong oversight over accounting and financial management functions; contributing to the analysis and development of strategic initiatives; and having a strong commitment to furthering the mission and values of an organization.

Rick earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Albright College. He resides in Wyomissing with his wife, Annie, and one of their three children.

Kristen Santangelo is Administrator of Skilled Nursing and Compliance Officer for The Highlands at Wyomissing®. In this role, Kristen is responsible for planning, organizing and administering the daily operations of Aspire Skilled Nursing; overseeing the administration of all therapy services; maintaining a professional level of confidentiality in all organizational, employee and resident issues; providing high quality care; and maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements, budgetary guidelines and policies and procedures established by The Highlands at Wyomissing. Kristen is a member of the Senior Leadership team that plans, develops, supports and implements strategic initiatives. Prior to joining The Highlands, Kristen served as an NHA with ManorCare. She also spent part of her career as the Vice President of Operations for Genesis Healthcare. Kristen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kutztown University and is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA).